When basketball coach LaQuanda Quick of West Forsyth needs someone to shut down an opposing player with a hot hand, she turns to sophomore silencer Jessica Jones.
Whether it's against a point guard or power forward, Jones usually draws the assignment of putting the clamps on the player who has the potential to do the most damage.
"She's very coachable, a great rebounder, and she plays great defense," Quick said. "She plays more inside on offense, but on defense, we put her on one of their guards most of the time, and she does well even if she's guarding their point guard."
Jones, 6-foot-2, started working on defense early in her basketball career.
"I knew if I played hard on defense, the offense would come," she said.
The Titans became a force last year during the NCHSAA 4-A playoffs. With all of their starters and top reserves back this season, including Jones' identical twin, Jasmine, Jessica said she thought this season could be special.
"We have a great coach, which helps a lot, and we saw what we could do last year. And with no seniors, we knew we would have one more year all together," she said.
West defeated 2011 state champion Southwest Guilford early in the season and has lost three close games: to Greensboro Dudley and twice by two points to Mount Tabor — the team they defeated in last season's playoffs to get the sense that they had arrived.
"We've had leads on them; next time, we need to keep playing hard and finish them out strong," Jones said.
THREE QUESTIONS FOR JONES
Q: What is your favorite sports movie?
A: "Love & Basketball"
Q: What is your favorite subject in school?
A: English
Q: What profession are you planning to pursue?
A: Pro basketball or sports marketing
Dan Kibler
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