One prospect that caught my attention this off-season with his play is Valley Vista High School's talented 6-foot-5, 190-pound senior forward Dwayne Jones. A very unheralded prospect, Jones held his own against some of the state's top opposition all spring and summer, and, I believe, will have a big senior season - a breakout season for Jones and the Valley Vista basketball program. We have already spoken about the potential season for Valley Vista in 2023, as Jones will team up again with sharp-shooting 6-foot-2 senior guard Aadem Isai to create one of the state's top one-two punches this high school season.
Jones first impressed me in the spring with his play during the Pangos Best of Arizona League, where I was able to watch him perform against many other talented prospects over several weeks of play. After watching him numerous times, and seeing consistent strong performances, it was clear that Jones was a serious sleeper prospect, and also ready to have a big senior season for himself.
This year will definitely be a breakout season for Jones, who averaged modest numbers as a junior - 7.9 points and 5 rebounds per/contest. Expect Jones to raise these statistical numbers a great deal as a senior, as I believe he is a nice talent that has developed a great deal over the past (6) months.
Jones has good size at 6-5 in height and weighing 190 pounds. He is a strong and physical wing prospect that enjoys mixing it up inside, but has a good skill level, which allows him to also play and score from the perimeter. He is a good shooter of the basketball with range, and is capable of creating his own shot and scoring off the dribble. Depending on the collegiate level that he eventually lands at, this young man could play as a 3/4 offensively, and can also defend both positions as well. He is a good ball handler and passer, so he also has good versatility on the floor. He is a strong rebounder and finisher around the basket, and plays much bigger than his size suggests. A nice overall talent that has some upside and is just realizing his true potential as a player.
Jones does not currently have any offers to his credit, but he is worthy of serious college recruitment from smaller college programs, as he could be a steal for the right college fit. Jones should raise a lot of eyebrows with his play this season, which will help him dramatically in his recruitment opportunities.
Last season, Valley Vista finished with a 15-12 overall record in the state's top 6A Division. Valley Vista returns a very experienced lineup this high school season, and will be led by the strong one-two punch of Jones and Aadem Isai. These two will be one of the top scoring duos in the state this season.
I will continue to follow Jones all high school season, as he is a good prospect for smaller college programs to take a hard look at, and will be a major reason for Valley Vista's success in 2023.
