SIKESTON — After spending the past three seasons at Three River College, former Sikeston standout Kevin Jones recently announced he will continue his basketball career at Dakota State University.
It's been a challenging year for Jones, who suffered a sprained anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and tears to his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus. The injuries occurred on Nov. 12, when Jones dove to the floor against Triton College.
"I got hurt and lost my division 1 interest, and didn't know what would be next," Jones said. "But [Dakota State coach Gary Garner] continued to work on building a great relationship with me. He would call, and tell me his plans and what he expected out of me. He was the only one that was constantly calling and checking in. That made me feel wanted and he believed he could help me out a lot. Plus, he coached with Anthony Beane, who I trust a lot."
Jones played in just 12 games this past season and averaged 3.5 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
"They wanted me to undergo surgery, but I wanted to play because I worked so hard the last summer," Jones said. "The process and the rehab were difficult. I was able to come back, but I wasn't me."
Despite the misfortune and hardship, Jones said he ultimately believes the experience made him a more well-rounded and better overall player.
"I was hurt and had to redshirt my first year, but it wasn't as bad as this," he said. "This was my last year of JUCO and I was playing with some close friends so I wanted it to be the best. This injury got to me mentally really bad and I was very depressed to the point I wanted to give up, but I didn't. I worked too hard to give up. I really locked into the details of the game and how to read the defense. I learned so much on how to make the game easier on me."
Jones had a breakout year during the 2020-2021 season, averaging 11.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game while earning All-Region and All-Conference honors.
"[Jones] will add toughness for the Dakota State program," said Three Rivers coach Brian Bess. "He can really guard the ball and was a difference-maker when on the court. I'm excited about his future. Although his major is business, He has a really good basketball IQ and would make a good coach too."
Jones had a prolific career while playing at Sikeston. He ended his high school career as the school's all-time leader in assists (530) and steals (323). He was also fourth all-time in points (1,378) and third in 3-pointers made (161). Sikeston went 104-13 during Jones' four years, winning three district titles and twice advancing to the Class 4 final four.
"Kevin was a great player for the Sikeston Bulldogs," said Sikeston coach Greg Holifield. "His toughness and intensity brought such a winning quality to our team. [Jones'] teams over four years were some of the greatest teams in Sikeston basketball history. He brought a high level of work ethic and desire to win that not many players can match. We are very proud of Kevin and his accomplishments. Dakota State is getting a great guard."
Dakota State competes as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and has a conference affiliation with the North Star Athletic Association. The Trojans finished the 2021-2021 season with a 12-18 overall record.
Dennis Marshall - Standard Democrat