Jadis Jones earns SoutheastHEALTH Male Athlete of the Year honor at Semoball Awards

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — When it comes to high school athletics, few athletes can match the sheer dominance of Jadis Jones.

His exceptional talent and an unrivaled commitment to his craft have propelled Jones to the pinnacle of high school sports in southeast Missouri, being named The Crader Distributing and your local STIHL dealers Boys Basketball Athlete of the Year and The SoutheastHEALTH Male Athlete of the Year at the 2023 Semoball Awards on Friday, July 14, at LaCriox Church.

“It’s an amazing feeling being named as one of the top players in the area,” Jones said. “ It isn’t an easy task to stay at the top of the mountain. I can’t explain the weight it carries on one’s shoulders but I feel like I do a pretty good job with it.”

NMCC's Jadis Jones (10) goes up for a layup during a 71-38 win over West County in a MSHSAA Class 3 quarterfinal at the Farmington Civic Center on Friday, March 3. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Adding another chapter to his high school sports legacy, Jones secured his second consecutive Basketball Athlete of the Year Award after leading New Madrid County Central to a MSHSAA Class 3 State Championship and being named the Player of the Year in Class 3, along with all-state, all-conference and all-district honors. He shot 64 percent from the field with an average of 23.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 3.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.

“I feel like [winning the award] will tell coaches, not even just coaches but people what I’m all about,” Jones said. “I want people to know not just on the court I am a great player, but off the court in an even better person. I spend time with the kids that look up to me and always try to be very respectful to whoever I cross paths with. I’m out in the community a lot it’s not hard to find me, transitioning into college it’s just going to be staying consistent with those things I mentioned.”

With his sights set on a higher purpose than personal accolades, Jones enters his senior season without any individual goals in mind. Instead, his sole focus remains on leading his team to another state championship, nurturing and inspiring the younger players who are just beginning their journey in the program.

New Madrid County Central High School senior wide receiver Jadis Jones posted on Twitter a photo of himself from a visit to Coastal Carolina University in Myrtle Beach, S.C., where he recently committed to play football and basketball.photo courtesy of Jadis Jones

Jones’ selflessness and commitment serve as a guiding light for the aspiring athletes who look up to him, fostering a culture of excellence and team camaraderie with the program.

“Work on your game, and whatever is destined for you will fall in line,” Jones said when asked for advice for younger players. “Don’t chase big-time schools because, in the end when it’s time to commit, those same schools won’t be there. I’ve had teammates with all types of crazy offers, five stars, you name it, so I’ve seen it and I know how it goes. I’m not saying it’s not possible, but if you work on your game and don’t worry about who’s looking at you, those schools that you want will come knocking if you take care of your end.

“Some key traits and habits that are important for success are staying consistent with whatever it is you’re doing,” he continued. “Be the best at whatever activity you do in life, it doesn’t matter if it’s picking up trash on the side of the road for a living. Be the best trash cleaner there is. When working on your game work in areas you aren’t so good at, spend time developing each thing, but spend more time working on your weaknesses.”

NMCC assistant coach Dontre Jenkins gives Jadis Jones (10) a hug following�a�56-46 win over Lutheran North in the Class 3 State Championship at the 2023 Show-Me Showdown on Saturday, March 11 at the Great Northern Bank Arena in Springfield, Missouri.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

In an exciting development, Jones recently committed to showcasing his incredible abilities in both basketball and football at Coastal Carolina University.

“Everything felt like family there,” Jones said. “It didn’t feel like they were trying to put on this stunt to get me to go there, everything was natural. The tradition there is rising every year and you see more success as the years go. It’s something you would want to be a part of if you love winning.”

Fully aware of the immense challenges that lie ahead as a multi-sport athlete at the Division I level, Jones embraces the demanding journey that awaits him with an unyielding spirit.

NMCC's Jadis Jones (10) runs after catching a slant in a 64-6 win over East Prairie at NMCC High School on Friday, Sep. 1.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“It’s not gonna be an easy task,” he said. “Finding time for both sports and making sure at the same time my body is getting the rest it needs between those times will be the most important. Other than that I feel like I can stay focused enough to participate in both sports at the highest level possible.

“Just being unable to give up the sport I love the most in basketball is what made me come down to that decision,” he concluded. “Both sports can help me in many areas for the other sport, so just doing what is asked of me and even more could bring out another level football and basketball-wise.”