Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week: Camrynn Jones, Polo junior basketball player

Name: Camrynn Jones

School: Polo

Sport: Basketball

Why she was selected: At the Polo tournament Dec. 14, Jones scored 24 points and had 15 assists in a 76-42 win over West Carroll. That same day, she tallied 17 points and 14 assists in a 51-20 win over Rock Falls. Between the two wins, Jones scored or assisted on 55% of her team’s points.

The Marcos (8-3) went on to place third at the tournament, and Jones was named to the all-tournament team after averaging 16.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 11.7 assists and a block per game. For the season, she is averaging 13.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.1 blocks and 2.5 steals.

Polo coach Jason Grobe said he’s been lucky to watch Cam grow up, like most of the girls on the team.

“She is one of the hardest workers I have ever been around. Cam might also be one of the most competitive people I know, including myself. Cam is always the first player in line to start any drill,” Jones said. “She wants to be on the floor every second of every game and practice, and doesn’t like when I sub her out of a drill in practice.

“Cam has played so many basketball games that it is like having another coach on the floor. She sees things that many people do not. Her work ethic has definitely rubbed off on the rest of the team.”

Jones is the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week in an online vote.

When did you first get into basketball and what or who helped you get into it?

Jones: I started playing basketball when I was 3 years old. My parents signed me up for biddy ball at the YMCA in Dixon. My coaches at the YMCA taught me to love the game, and I never looked back after that. Eventually I started playing for the junior Dixon Duchesses where coach Kim [Guthrie], Book [Aaron Book], and Rav [Luke Ravlin] all welcomed me.

What do you like about basketball? Has it taught you anything? Any specific strengths you feel you have? Anything specifically you have worked at improving this year?

Jones: I like that something is always happening and it’s a fast-paced sport. Basketball has taught me many lessons on and off the court and has given me lifelong friends along the way. I feel that two of my greatest strengths when it comes to basketball are court vision and my knowledge of the game. This year I have worked on improving my range on my 3-pointers and my mid-range shot.

You had 41 points and 29 assists combined in two wins on Saturday. What was working for the team that day and for you individually?

Jones: We moved the ball very well and were able to attack gaps, which led to either open 3’s or layups. We knocked down a lot of shots and finished very well at the rim. Our coaches prepared us well, which helped tremendously in leading to our success.

The team won six straight games before falling to River Ridge/Scales Mound on Tuesday. What do you think of the team’s start to the season so far? What have you guys learned so far?

Jones: With a couple key players dealing with injuries, I wasn’t expecting to start the season off this strong. I think we adapted very well to the low numbers that we have. We have learned to communicate on defense and fight through adversity, which have been two keys in our success so far.

Any goals for you this season individually?

Jones: This season, I would like to score my 1,000th point and lead the team in assists. I would also like to win another regional championship.

Does the team have any goals this season? What does it hope to accomplish?

Jones: This season, one of the biggest team goals we have is to win another regional championship.

Do you have a favorite athlete or sports team?

Jones: My favorite athlete is Paige Bueckers and my favorite team is UConn.

Any other hobbies, activities or sports you are involved in?

Jones: I play volleyball and softball for my school and I am also involved in AAU basketball and club volleyball. I am a part of Student Council, FCCLA, Spanish club, FFA, and Varsity club. I work as a lifeguard at the Polo Pool over the summer.

Do you have a favorite book or quote?

Jones: My favorite quote is “How you do anything is how you do everything.” I think this applies to lots of things in life, not just basketball and it’s a quote that has encouraged me to always work hard no matter what I’m doing.

Favorite restaurant or meal after a game?

Jones: After a game, I’m usually super hungry and will eat anything, so I don’t really have a favorite, but I do enjoy getting fast food with my team occasionally after games.

Favorite music artist or genre?

Jones: My favorite music artist is Zach Bryan and my favorite genre is country.

Any favorite school subjects or teachers?

Jones: My favorite teacher is Gina Cole who teaches AP Chemistry. Another favorite is Ted Alston who teaches woodworking.