Joshua Jones in the Ocala Star-Banner

Jones signs scholarship to Holy Cross
Trinity Catholic senior averaged 12 points
Published Nov. 14, 2006 7:30 am

BY LARRY ROSS
SPECIAL TO THE STAR-BANNER

OCALA - The excitement of a basketball signing came to the large gathering of friends, family and faculty at the Trinity Catholic High campus Monday, as senior Josh Jones signed his national letter of intent to play for Division I Holy Cross University in Worcester, Mass.

The 6-foot-8 Jones is a four-year starter at power forward for the Celtics.

"Josh has a great work ethic," said Trinity head coach Gary Belger. "He is the epitome of the student-athlete. He gets along well with people, and has a great family."

Jones carries a 4.3 grade-point-average in the classroom and averaged 12 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks a game last year on the court.

Six schools were actively recruiting Jones, but it finally came down to offers from Butler and Holy Cross.

"It was just a gut feel," Jones said of his decision. "When I visited Holy Cross it felt good."

Vincent Jones, Josh's father who played football for the University of Florida , was on hand to see his son make his college choice official.

"I'm happy with Josh's selection of Holy Cross," said Vincent. "It's a good school and he'll get a great education there."

Mother, June Jones, the Dean of Arts and Sciences at College of Central Florida, fought back tears as she watched the ceremony.

"I'm excited and proud of him for his academic achievements, as well as his athletic skills," she said.

Josh plans to study pharmacy at Holy Cross. Another reason he chose the Jesuit institution.

"It's important that they're big on academics," Josh said. "I'm very excited to be getting my own experiences in a different environment with different weather. However, I'll miss my parents."

Jones was a second-team all-area selection as a junior. He recorded 46 blocks.