Player Breakdown: Gage Jones

<p>[player_tooltip player_id="921080" first="Gage" last="Jones"] is a 6’1" point guard from the class of 2022. Last season, Jones was a key part of an Eagle team that saw lots of success and made a deep run at the state tournament. In the upcoming season, Jones will look to help the Mustangs make another run at the district title before advancing to the state tournament as his role with the team expands and he shoulders more responsibility on the court. Continue reading for a breakdown of Jones’ game ahead of the 2020-21 season.</p> <p><strong>Defense:</strong> Jones is a solid defender for the Mustangs. On the ball, he applies great ball pressure and is strong when he moves laterally. He forces the ball handler onto awkward spots on the court where it is difficult to start the offense. He makes great reads on the defensive end and can shoot gaps in passing lanes in order to convert steals into fast break opportunities. He is an excellent help-side defender that is willing to sacrifice his body and take a charge in order to preserve possessions. Against post players, Jones stands his ground and stays strong. He attempts to front and gets crafty when attempting to poke the ball away from the offensive player. As a rebounder, Gage crashes the glass when he can and secures rebounds with two hands.</p> <p><strong>Offense:</strong> Gage is a great offensive threat for Eagle. Jones is a knockdown shooter from deep and he is a constant shooting threat when he is on the floor. He has a smooth stroke that he can shoot from well-beyond the perimeter and he shoots with lots of confidence. He also can drive to the rim and finishes really well at the rim with either hand and through contact. Gage has great handles that he uses to get him anywhere on the floor and he is an excellent passer on the drive and off of the dribble. He always finds the right player at the right time and he is a true floor general. Jones doesn’t always pull-up short of the goal, but he does have a nice mid-range jumper that he can use when he feels the defender getting off balance.</p> <p><strong>Overall:</strong> Altogether, Jones is a great basketball player for the Eagle Mustangs. On defense, he is a tough defender that pressures to his ability and does not back down. On offense, Gage is a threat from all areas and has the mind of a point guard. Gage would be an excellent point guard at the next level.</p>