By Shawn Wansley

Jones College Sports Information

ELLISVILLE – One of the premier players in Jones College women's basketball history is returning to the school as an assistant coach.

Keyara Jones has been added to head coach Missy Bilderback's staff. She will work primarily with the Jones College marketing department as a student recruiter and will also assist with women's basketball.

Jones, who prepped at Heidelberg High School, recently graduated from the University of Alabama.

"We are excited to have Keyara back at Jones," Bilderback said. "She will be excellent in her role as a student recruiter and an awesome addition to our staff. Key is one of the more decorated players to wear a Jones jersey. She always brought toughness and an exceptional will to win on the court, but also always handled herself with great class."

Jones was a two-time NJCAA All-American at JC in 2018-19 and 2019-20 and was also a WBCA All-American in 2020. She participated in the NJCAA All-Star Game following the 2020 season. She was named All-MACJC and All-Region 23 during both of her years at Jones.

Jones originally signed with Arkansas-Little Rock out of high school and transferred to Jones College. She averaged 15.7 points as a freshman and 13.1 points per game as a sophomore. She led the Bobcats to a pair of Region 23 titles and two NJCAA Division I Tournament appearances.

At Alabama, Jones had a 17-point game vs. Nicholls State, including 15 on 3-pointers. Her career was cut short at Alabama because of an injured shoulder.

"I am excited for our players to have an opportunity to be influenced daily by Keyara," Bilderback said. "We are always looking to grow our program and to hire a former Lady Bobcat who loves our college and program. It's a win-win for everyone!"

The Bobcats open the season at home on Nov. 6 vs. Wallace State (Alabama).