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Jones Era Gets Underway

The John D. Jones era gets underway Friday night when the Brewton-Parker men’s basketball team plays their home opener against Edward Waters College at the Gillis Gymnasium in the 2008 Comfort Inn Baron Tip-off Classic. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m.

With the Tip-Off Classic only days away, Jones will get an opportunity to gauge the progress of his basketball team against a very good Edward Waters team from Jacksonville, Florida.  The Barons will host SCAD in their second game of the Classic Saturday Night at 6pm.

Jones, who was appointed head coach on August 1st, has been working hard to stabilize a program that finished 8-22 and in last place in the Southern States Athletic Conference during the 2007-2008 campaign.   

“This program has a long tradition of success during the NAIA years and before,” said Jones.  “We want to honor the hard work and accomplishments of the coaches and players who have given so much to BPC over the years.  We will do this by working to build on their foundation and take Baron Basketball to the next level.”

Coach Jones got a brief glimpse of his team when the Barons traveled to Middle Georgia College and hosted Coastal Georgia Community College in preseason scrimmage games. The Orange and Blue dropped an 89-80 decision to the Middle Georgia Warriors, but bounced back to pull out a win against the Coastal Georgia Mariners, 86-83.  Then on Monday night, BPC travelled to Voorhees College in South Carolina for the opening game of the season where they dropped a tough 80-67 decision against a strong Tiger team.

Jones said, “We are still in the process of getting to know each other.  The players are still adapting to a new way of playing the game, and I am still learning who brings what to the table.  The first three outings have helped us make tremendous progress in understanding our system and in establishing roles for our personnel.”

Brewton-Parker returns eight players, including three of its top five scorers, from last year’s team that posted an 8-22 overall record, while notching a 2-12 Southern States Athletic Conference record.  The Barons will be led by senior guard Jurbien Byrd (Calhoun, GA), who will be moved from point guard to shooting guard this year.  Byrd is an outstanding 3-point shooter with deep range who will allow the Barons to stretch opposing defenses.

Returning sophomore guards Eddie Dixon and Nate Green will also be looked to for their 3-point shooting ability.  Both players have established themselves among the best in the region at hitting the deep ball.  Senior Ryan Moore, is a solid player who can also run the offense and be counted on as a defensive stopper. 

Jones also has the benefit of drawing on the talents of sophomore forward Dustin Jeffords, who will be counted on as an interior presence during the early going of the season.  “Dustin’s natural position is as a 3-point shooting 4-man,” said Coach Jones. “But we are asking him to sacrifice and help us at the 5-spot until we get (6’9 center) Maurice Veal back at Christmas.  Dustin’s versatility and positive team-first attitude have been real assets in this regard so far.”

Incoming junior college transfers Brandon Barron, Quintereal Kelley, Jamaal Mills, and Justin Owens will all be expected to contribute right away.  Barron will be counted on to be the lead Baron as the teams starting point guard. 

Coach Jones has also been happy with the continued development of 6’6 center Justin Owens, who will be counted on primarily for defense and rebounding.  “Justin is working hard and improving everyday,” said Jones.  “If he stays focused and continues to improve, he will be an important factor to our team’s success.”

After hosting the Baron Tip-Off Classic, BPC will hit the road for five consecutive games, including a Division 1 tilt at Savannah State, and the conference opener at Emmanuel College.