NMCC’s Jadis Jones is made for ‘Big Time Moments’

SIKESTON, Mo. — Fresh off of leading New Madrid County Central to a MSHSAA Class 3 State Championship in basketball, “Jammin” Jadis Jones is now focused on weighing his options and making the best decision for the future.

After all, the 6-foot-5-inch 200-pound multi-sport athlete has to not only decide on a school where he will continue his athletic and academic journey but also the sport he will play after receiving several Division-1 offers in both basketball and football.

“It means a lot for these schools and coaches to want me to be a part of their program,” Jones said. “The feeling is unexplainable. It puts a lot of weight on my shoulders, but I take in every moment of it because there aren’t many people that get to choose which sports they want to play at the next level. I am blessed to have the opportunity.”

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

Jones has already picked up offers from Southeast Missouri State, Robert Morris, Louisiana-Monroe and Northwestern State on the hardwood, while also earning offers from Southeast Missouri State, Northern Iowa, Murray State and Coastal Carolina on the gridiron.

ESPN lists Jones as a four-star prospect, while 247Sports ranks him as the fourth-best recruit from the state of Missouri and the 188th overall prospect in the Class of 2024 for basketball. He averaged 23.4 points and 12 rebounds per game this past season while leading the Eagles to the fourth state title in program history.

“Every coach in America would love to have a student-athlete like [Jones],” said NMCC assistant coach basketball Dontre Jenkins. “He’s not only going to get it done on the basketball court or the football field but in the classroom as well. He’s going to show up early and stay late. If he’s struggling with something he’s going to ask questions and stay to work on it until he figures it out. For example, when he with to his shooting slump at the free-throw line during the season he went back to study film to see what he was doing differently to cause him to be shooting so poorly.

NMCC's Jadis Jones (10) dribbles during�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

“He’s our leader,” Jenkins continued. “He’s going to make sure everyone is where they suppose to be and doing what they're supposed to be doing on and off the floor. I’ve been coaching [Jones] since he was in the seventh grade and he has never let the hype around him get to his head. It’s always been about his teammates and what he can do to help the team win.”

NMCC football coach Tyler Fullhart said Jones' physical tools remind him a lot of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.

“[Jones] has everything everyone would want in a wide receiver,” Fullhart added. “Height, length, size, speed, character, intelligence, everything; He’s a total package. If he chooses football, great. If he chooses basketball, great. I want [Jones] to be happy and successful. I just know I’ll be watching him wherever he goes.”

NMCC is presented with its first-place medals 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

One word comes to mind when Fullhart thinks of coaching Jones — Enjoyable.

“Anytime you get a chance to coach young men that have the drive to be great and be winners is enjoyable,” he continued. “There’s a lot of nonsense in coaching and when the nonsense is nonexistent you can focus on the task, which is getting better and winning. On top of that, he is respectable and understands what he’s doing and what the team is doing. It’s just enjoyable.”

Jones finished this past season with 38 receptions for 889 yards and 18 touchdowns.

“I’ve known [Jones] since he was three or four years old,” said Sikeston football coach Treston Pulley. “I always knew he would be a special kid. He has a great support system and an even better work ethic. He is a special talent and he is always a main focus during our preparation week.”

Jones also earned all-state, all-conference and all-district honors this past fall.

“Obviously what everyone sees are his size and speed,” Fullhart said. “The way he leverages his routes and uses his hands so well. The way he can use his body to protect the pass and bring in the catch. He’s a nightmare for a high school defensive back to have to try to defend. To me what sets him apart is his leadership and his character. He was always one of the first ones out of the locker room to get catches in before practice. He has a way of bringing his teammates up and not letting them fall to a level of mediocrity. He’s a winner.

“We are extremely proud of [Jones],” Fullhart continued. “He is an amazing athlete and young man. Our coaching staff sends our players cut-ups to colleges every year. We sent [Jones] cut up all over the place. We had a feeling if someone took three minutes to watch it they would see exactly what we see and that’s a big-time wide receiver. He’s received some really good offers and I expect more to roll in as well.”

Jones plans to take his time with such an important decision and make a college choice following his senior basketball season.

“[Jones] leading the team to a state championship is just the icing on the cake,” Fullhart concluded. “A lot is expected of him and he steps up every single time. He’s a big-time player that’s made for big-time moments.”