Whether on the basketball court or the football field, Nick Jones comes to compete determined to be a difference maker resulting in victory.
The 2021 Eufaula High School senior was a game changer while wearing the Ironheads uniform. After a two-year stint as the starting quarterback losing on three games, two playoff and one regular season contest, Jones accepted the challenge of his coaches and moved to wide receiver where he grabbed 44 pass receptions for 720 yards to score six touchdowns as Eufaula claimed the 2A-6 district championship advancing to the state quarterfinals with a 9-3 record.
Moving to the hardwood, Jones was always at his best playing the game he loves most.
“I just love the game of basketball, I always have,” admits the Ironheads point guard who averaged 14.5 point while grabbing 4.7 rebounds and dishing out 1.7 assists per game as Eufaula proved to be among the eight best teams in Class 3A in order to reach the state tournament this season. “My game is that I’m going to take you to the goal because I’m going to beat you off of my first step. But the best part of my ability on the basketball court is my defense.”
His basketball talents have earned Jones being named to the Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Association All-Star by Class team that will give Jones the opportunity to play in the mid-summer basketball showcase.
Altogether offense and defense, there’s something more that earns words of praise from his coach, Jeff Oliver.
“Nick is a selfless player. He’s a quiet and soft spoken leader,” said the Eufaula boys coach. “He commands respect on the floor as well as in our hallways. Without Nick’s leadership we would not have made the state tournament this past season.”
Leadership is something that truly matters to Jones in all walks of his life.
“Being a leader is what’s most important to me because setting an example for others is a big deal, especially setting an example for younger kids.”
The total package is what Eufaula coaches agree earns Nick Jones the title, Mr. Ironhead.
“Never satisfied and always a team first competitor, that’s Nick,” said football coach Larry Newton Jr. “He’s made our program better and set the standard for others to follow.”
Oliver echoes those sentiments of appreciation.
“If there was such an award, Nick Jones is definitely worthy of being honored as Mr. Ironhead.”
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