The Central girls’ basketball team’s star point guard, senior Inia Jones, announced her commitment to Bradley University in September. As the girls’ basketball team prepares for the upcoming season, Jones begins to look back on her time at Central and why she chose Bradley.
The 5’6’ dynamo had offers to 11 schools, including the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Indiana State, Central Michigan and more. Bradley was the obvious choice for Jones, though. She described it as a home away from home.
“That’s where I felt most wanted,” she said.
Jones decided against UNO because she wanted to explore outside of Omaha. She felt she couldn’t connect with many other schools’ coaching staff and environments, leading to her choosing Bradley. Still, she stressed gratefulness to have so many opportunities.
“I never even imagined having this many offers,” she said.
Ranked 17th in the state for scoring last season, averaging 18.8 points per game, Jones is prepared to expand her skills in college. Bradley, a Division I school in Peoria, Illinois, and a part of the Missouri Valley Conference, is looking to make a return to the NCAA tournament this year, with 2021 being the last time they went.
“Keep your eyes out,” she said, when it comes to her future. “I have a lot to prove.”
Central Head coach Michael Kroupa agreed. “Inia will do great at Bradley… she has a real future in either coaching or education after her career is done,” he said.
Kroupa looks forward to seeing her improvement this season and development as a leader.
“Being a leader of a high school team is not easy, but Inia takes it on,” he said.
Her leadership will be on display this year as Central girls’ basketball, ranked 10th last year and heading into this year ranked fifth in the state, works to mature in their skills.
The overall goal for Jones, however, is to win and have fun. She described the girls’ basketball team as one big friend group. “They all have a certain way that they make me a better me,” she said. She also explained her love for everybody on the team and the coaches. “I learned how to slow down and be mature,” she said.
As the end of her high school career approaches and her college career begins, Jones has big dreams. “I would love to play in pro, possibly overseas,” she said.
Whatever she may end up doing, Kroupa and her Central teammates wished her well. Kroupa said, “Everyone knows how hard she has worked.”
