PriorityOne Bank Metro Jackson Boys Basketball Player of the Week 1-19-23

Robert Wilson

Freshman Velma Jackson High coach Jeremy Jackson has a player he wants college recruiters to see.

Devin Jones is his name and he scores in his games.

The 6-foot-5 senior forward averaged 31 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, 4.5 steals and 3.5 blocked shots as he led Velma Jackson to two victories in MHSAA Class 2A, Region 6, his game I was at the top.

For his performance last week, Jones was named PriorityOne Bank/Mississippi Scoreboard Metro Jackson Boys Basketball Player of the Week.

Jones had a career-high 35 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, four steals and four blocked shots in a 65-49 win over Perahatchie. He also had 27 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals and 3 blocked shots in a 71–48 win over Pisgah.

Jones is averaging 19.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.2 blocked shots and 2.1 assists this season with Velma Jackson in an 11-11 record. Of his losses, 10 were to large schools and 5 to Class 6A and Class 5A teams.

“Devin is a very productive player at the college level,” said Jackson, who spent seven seasons as an assistant at Canton High before coming to Velma Jackson. “He has developed his game into college-level play. Any coach would be thrilled because he is already training to play at the next level. Accept your role as needed to help, a trait college coaches like.

“Devin has been our leader since the start of the season. He understands the game on a higher level than most high school players. Yes, he can play on the wing as well as the forward position.Devin is a good shooter and can be a ball handler when needed.What he can bring to the team is the result of the game. It’s the mindset we need to change. Devin is very active on the defensive side, and I’m hoping he’ll carry us through the rest of the district and state tournaments.”
Velma Jackson’s next game is Friday’s region game at home to Scott Central at Camden. Scott Central gave Velma Jackson his only Class 2A loss of the season, when he scored 61–55 on January 3 at Scott Central in Forest.

Coaches can nominate players by emailing or calling Robert Wilson (601.506.2276). Only players playing on teams in Hines County, Madison County, or Rankin County are eligible.