CMAC guards Jones and Keion Griffin Keion Griffin 6'2" | SG West Clermont | 2027 State OH made the transfer to West Clermont to form one of the top backcourt duos in the ECC and greater Cincinnati area. Jones is a winning lead guard as he helped Hughes win the CMAC last season and could provide similar impact at West Clermont. Jones is an exceptional defender who should finish near the top of the ECC in both assists and steals. Cincinnati basketball fans should be checking out West Clermont this season as they have the potential to be one of the most improved teams in the state with their combination of transfers and returners to the program.

The table setter for the West Clermont squad, Jones has been impressive all summer for his new team. Jones is tough to stay in front of on the perimeter and his ability to make live dribble passes allows him to create open looks for his teammates. Maybe the biggest change Jones has brought to West Clermont has been his perimeter defense, as they’ve been able to run and jump in a full court press and find a lot of success turning over their opposition. Those turnovers usually result in open layups at the other end for his group and there’s a reason they have so many lopsided results.

Jones is one of the scrappiest defenders in the CMAC, getting at least two steals in every game this season. Jones aggressiveness on the defensive end of the court caused numerous turnovers and Hughes was at their best in the open court. Also a capable perimeter shooter, Jones is shooting almost 30% from 3-point range and over 65% from the free throw line. Look for Jones and Hill to be the engines for Hughes this winter as they’ll look to stay competitive in the CMAC.

A warrior defensively, few players pressure the ball as well as Jones does. At his size, Jones is always going to be low to the ground and in the grill of opposing ball handlers. Jones forced numerous turnovers and usually either he or a teammate turned them into buckets on the other end. I was also impressed with how Jones scored at the rim, he had some acrobatic finishes around rim protectors. Add on a couple 8-12 foot mid-range shots and floaters, Jones was productive on Sunday in helping his team win.