Haley Jones earns Player of the Week honors

A standout performance last week by Haley Jones (Knoxville, Ill./Knoxville) netted her the Midwest Conference Performer of the Week honor in women’s basketball.

Jones led all scor­ers in a 75-57 win over Illinois College Wednes­day that clinched the Scots’ Midwest Conference playoff berth. She poured in 22 points while pulling down seven rebounds and blocking four shots in the game. The senior guard was at it again Saturday in a 118-102 win over Knox. Her 23 points led all scorers as she just missed a double-double with nine rebounds. Jones also shared the wealth, dishing out five assists as the Scots clinched their second straight conference tournament berth with the second seed. For the week, Jones averaged 22.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 blocks per game. She had the hot hand the entire week hitting 17 of her 25 shots (.680) including four-of-five from beyond the arc and seven of eight free throws.

Jones, whose father Tim Jones was an all-conference guard at Monmouth, is a business major.

Senior Night 2012: Kerry Kost

When did you first begin playing organized basketball? Any specific memories?
I’ve been playing basketball since I can remember. I use to play on my two older sisters teams and would just be the crazy hyper kid that would never stop running around. I guess some things never change.

All-time favorite teacher? Class?
My all time favorite class/professor would have to be Business Finance with The Dicky Johnston. This class really pushed me academically and also allowed me to get to know my fellow senior Haley Jones, who I had the privilege to sit by in that class. Professor Johnston has a way to connect with his students that pushes them to be the best they can be. I respect him not only as a professor, but also as a coach and a mentor in my life.

What are your plans for next year? Career goals?
My plans for next year are still completely up in the air. I think I have ruled out graduate school right away, so am looking for an internship or job. I was hoping to get into sales or marketing.

Favorite memory from this season?
It is hard to pin point one memory from this season, because this team has proven to create many memories. My favorite on court memory was beating St. Norbert at their home court. It was such an amazing feeling to have our team work so well together and watch all of our hard work come together for the win.

What do you hope teammates will say about you?
I hope my teammates say that I was always someone that they could look up to. Someone who always worked hard and had a smile on her face. But most of all I hope they will say how much I cared about the team and all of my teammates who became my family.

Anything you want to say to your teammates? Advice?
“Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for.
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more.
That's what friends are for.” I love you guys so much and I hope that I have impacted your life, even slightly as much as each and every one of you have impacted mine. I am so grateful and privileged to have been a part of such an amazing team. You guys really are my family and I am going to miss all of our crazy times. Thank you so much for such an amazing senior year and I really can’t put into words how much you guys mean to me and how much I will miss you.

Senior Night 2012: Haley Jones

When did you first begin playing organized basketball? Any specific memories?
I first started playing organized basketball in the 3rd grade. I have plenty of memories of playing in tournaments in Canton and at the Hawthorne Center in Galesburg. Also, the basketball seemed a lot bigger in the 3rd grade. :-)

All-time favorite teacher? Class?
That’s a tough one. I have had so many good professors here at Monmouth, but I’d have to say my favorite teacher was from high school. Mrs. West was my English Honors teacher and Speech teacher. She expected great work, she really got me ready for college and what I should expect, and her classes were fun to be in.

What are your plans for next year? Career goals?
Next year I hope to either be attending graduate school at WIU or ISU studying Sport Management. Ultimately, I want to work at a college in the athletic department and become an athletic director.

Favorite memory from this season?
My favorite memory from this season so far would have to be our California trip over winter break. It was a great experience and I had the opportunity to spend it with my teammates. Also, all of our Bridesmaids quotes! There’s not a single day that we don’t quote from the movie Bridesmaids.

What do you hope teammates will say about you?
I hope they say I was a good teammate and I worked hard.

Anything you want to say to your teammates? Advice?
There will be days where you won’t want to practice or lift or run. Some days will be extremely tough and you’ll think about what else you could be doing with your time. Don’t let those days take over your season. Soon, it will all be over and you’ll do anything to get back on the court. Play every game and practice like it’s your last because soon it will be and you’ll want it back. Never lose your love for the game. This is who we are, and I’m grateful I got to spend my last season with you girls. I’ll never forget it. Thank you.