Aycock's Jones steps into leadership role

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on February 21, 2014 1:47 PM

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PIKEVILLE -- Myleah Jones did everything she could to be a leader for Charles B. Aycock on the basketball court this season -- and when necessary -- she used words.

Determined to set an example for the Golden Falcons, who had just one senior on the team, Jones' effort never wavered either in practice on during a game.

The junior forward emerged as the team's leading scorer (12.4 points) and rebounder (8.9/game). She had a double-double -- 16 points, 15 rebounds -- in Aycock's 47-44 upset of county archrival Eastern Wayne last Saturday.

"I like being a leader not with my mouth, but by example and it really showed," Jones said. "We've been really hungry for a win like this because it's been a rough season."

The Warriors eliminated the Golden Falcons (6-18 overall) from the Eastern Carolina 3-A/4-A Conference tournament on Tuesday.

Despite a season that included a grueling nine-game losing streak, Jones' steady play rubbed off on her teammates. She scored in double figures in 16 of Aycock's 24 games, and tallied 10 or more rebounds 11 times this season.

"We've had girls like Myleah step up and show leadership," Golden Falcons' head coach Ryan Wells said. "Not all girls have to show leadership with their mouth. It's just their play."

A recent switch to a full-court press along with the increased use of a 1-3-1 zone defense paid off for Aycock. Despite limited practice time due to weather-related cancellations, the Golden Falcons quickly adapted to the new schemes.

Aycock forced 20 turnovers in its win over Eastern Wayne.

The Golden Falcons held their own on the backboards despite being outmatched against the Warriors' size. On the defensive end, they limited the Warriors to one shot which led to transition opportunities on the offensive end of the court.

"The backside rebounding is what worried us in the 1-3-1," Wells said. "But, our guards did a good job of securing the backside and a lot of their shots were off long and it helped us get in transition, too, which got them in a little bit of foul trouble."