Jones has not lost a high school game since February 7, 2008 and the Hawks are currently on a 19 game win streak entering the Seminole Athletic Conference Championship game on Wednesday versus Lake Mary High School. Jones was a pre-season All-Orlando Sentinel First-Team Selection and is ranked in the Top 100 Seniors nationally by Full Court Press. We take this opportunity to go One on One with Ashley Jones.
Full Court Recruiting: How has your high school season gone so far?
Ashley Jones: I love my team and that is an understatement. We get along so well and our chemistry is unbelievable. We are currently 20-2. The two loses that we took were at the beginning of the season in the FGB Thanksgiving Showcase to Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville) and Bishop Moore (Orlando). During this time, I was out for a month due to a severe liver infection. Luckily, we played one of the teams we lost to again, Bishop Moore (in their Christmas tournament). We won 47-44 and took home the Jim Clark Championship Title. Since the return of our full team, we have not lost a game. Andy Sarasty, our head coach, has prepared us mentally and physically to be the best we can be. Also, our assistant coach, Brian Glover, has been a huge motivational boost to the team as he is always positive and always encouraging.
Full Court Recruiting: What specific aspects of your game have you been working on to fine tune your game?
Ashley Jones: I've been working on my upper arm strength, ball handling skills in a half court set, and mental aspects of the game (a category that can always improve not only in basketball but in everyday life). I believe that I have a strong work ethic when it comes to working on my game and getting better. My family has always told me that working hard all the time produces good results. Also, I try to lead by example. I want the special team that I'm apart of to work hard all the time (they all possess an unbelievable work ethic).
Full Court Recruiting: What things are you anticipating when you make the jump from high school to the next level?
Ashley Jones: I've signed to play basketball at Mississippi State. I will be
majoring in political science and plan to minor in business administration. I chose Mississippi State because it's a beautiful small town. Sharon Fanning is a great coach, a great person, and a great leader. I want to model my own behavior and qualities after someone as virtuous as herself. Moreover, the team has great players and great
people on it. They all love ketchup, just like me. It's a perfect fit! I thank Jesus for all the tremendous blessings he's given me and waking up everyday. The time I spent in the hospital helped me to remember the important things in life: Jesus, family, school, and my team.
Full Court Recruiting: What things are you doing to make this transition as easy as possible?
Ashley Jones: During the spring, I will be preparing for college with my personal trainer Dee Brown. Dee Brown is a phenomenal trainer. He has helped increase my basketball IQ, advance my skills, and does all of this with such a humble attitude. He is the "Dee Brown", but you couldn't tell the difference between him and an everyday person. I'm blessed to have him in my life.
Full Court Recruiting: What are your goals to wrap up the high school season on a positive note?
Ashley Jones: I will not be satisfied until Lake Howell Girls Basketball has a state title banner hanging in the "Howell" from 2008-2009. This team has the potential to achieve ultimate heights. We have a talented point guard, Cabby Duren; a young, superior forward, Tynia McKinzie; a shot blocking machine, Correy Johnson; and several players that can just flat out play basketball; Kasie Parker, Brooke Bowie, Brandie Green, Kashima Edwards, Kayla Williams, Morgan Beck, and so many more. I can't help but smile knowing that I'm apart of this team, not only extremely talented, but a genuine, caring group of girls.