Although it’s not Charlotte or Raleigh, the Triad (Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem) has consistently produced some of the top basketball players in North Carolina. Despite this, the area still has plenty of players who are underrated or overlooked by college coaches. Public schools in the greater Greensboro area are terrific places for next-level programs to find diamonds in the rough. Take CJ Jones, for example. He’s a highly productive leader and focal point for one of the top schools in the city (Dudley), yet lacks the appropriate recognition for his ability. Let’s take a closer look…
Last season, Jones posted nightly averages of 18.9 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, and 1.6 SPG with 44/37/70 splits. The Panthers struggled to start the year, going 3-5, before quickly turning things around to finish 15-3 over their next 18 games. Jones’ general consistency is a massive factor for the success of this group. He scored double-digit points in 19 of 21 games logged. Since the start of travel ball, Jones has been on an absolute tear. He’s a highly competitive, well-rounded guard who simply knows how to produce. Jones handles the ball well to create for himself and others. He’s a smart, unselfish decision-maker who scores from all levels and sees the floor as a passer. Jones plays well through contact and displays craftiness when attacking the basket. Defensively, he does a great job of containing opponents at the point of attack and forcing turnovers at a solid rate. Jones is an obvious college-level player who should have more action within his recruitment.
The NCHSAA Team Camp presented another opportunity for Jones to showcase his ability, posting the following results:
Game 1 vs Freedom
23 Points (6-11 FGs; 4-6 3PT), 6 Assists, 2 Steals, 1 TO
Game 2 vs Hoggard
22 Points (5-13 FGs), 4 Assists, 2 Rebounds, 0 TO
Game 3 vs Hickory
35 Points (11-17 FGs), 5 Assists, 2 Rebounds, 2 Steals, 0 TO
Game 4 vs Garner
18 Points (7-15 FGs), 8 Assists, 3 Rebound, 1 TO
Game 5 vs Clayton
15 Points (6-12 FGs), 5 Assists, 1 TO
Game 6 vs West Bladen
22 Points (7-14 FGs), 3 Assists, 2 TO