Bonner star Jonesing for a title

JEFF JONES' first points for the University of Virginia are still down the line. Limelight-basking has already been experienced.

Jones always suspected he'd find life amazing in a big-time basketball conference such as the Atlantic Coast, and confirmation came last Tuesday as, with his family (parents, one brother), he traveled to Charlottesville and watched the Cavaliers host Maryland.

It might have been the people who greeted him warmly in non-stop fashion. Or those who asked for his autograph. Or those who held up signs. Or, especially, those who did all three.

"Mostly, the signs were saying how they can't wait to have me there," Jones said, sheepishly.

He added, "Our seats were right behind the bench. It was great to see everything so close up. We could see how coach Dave Leitao handled the team. How he called his plays. How he talked to his players. I mean, we were right there.

"Playing in the ACC, it's like a dream. With the crowd and the atmosphere and the intensity the guys bring to the action. You can see yourself doing that next year. You just can't wait."

Um, yes you can. Especially if your name is Jeff Jones. And no one realizes that more than the 6-4 1/2, 190-pound wing guard for Monsignor Bonner High.

It's not yet February in his senior season and there is much to accomplish - assuredly on a personal level and, he hopes very much, on a team level.

Showing his ever-present variety of born-scorer traits both around and far from the basket, the kind that could someday lead him to the NBA, Jones last night tallied 20 points as the visiting Friars bested West Catholic, 77-71, in an entertaining Catholic League Southern Division game.

His career total now stands at 1,712, meaning he needs 150 to surpass 1978 Roman Catholic grad Reggie Jackson (1,861), who went on to play at Maryland, as the leading scorer in CL history.

This is no mortal lock. The Friars have seven games remaining in division play and Jones would have to average 21.4. His norm through 19 games is 22.3.

There's also an X-factor. The "P" word. Not only would making the playoffs give Jones at least one extra game he might wind up needing, it would allow him to pursue what he insists is truly . . .

"My only goal," he said. "That's it - to win a Catholic League championship. Whatever individual aspects might come along with that, well, that would be nice. But right now it's all about helping my team do the best it can. If I can do that by scoring points, that's what it is. But I know I have to do a whole lot else."

Most of the major scorers in city history have played on teams that were sprinkled with stardust. Along with pointfest kudos, they received rings or jackets or plaques, with some going back for seconds or even thirds.

Not so Jones. Bonner went a combined 20-30 in his first two seasons before last year experiencing a one-and-done playoff visit under rookie coach Brian Daly.

No one has ever blamed Jones for the fact the Friars have not reached Neumann-Goretti/St. Joseph's Prep/Roman Catholic heights. After all, a guy can't pick his playmates. But when a great player is somehow part of a special team accomplishment, he's often held in even higher regard.

Jones understands.

"I want to be part of something special this year," he said. "I want to be on a team that's remembered."

In this one, Jones shot 8-for-14 from the floor (1-for-3 on treys) and an uncommon 3-for-9 at the line. He added four rebounds, three steals and four assists.

On moves to the basket he displays the classic big first step, which often separates the biggies from the mediums in the prospects world. He's also a master at body control. His smoothly launched jumpers are a sight to behold.

"Offensively, Jeff is so gifted, it's unbelievable," Daly said. "You expect every shot he takes to go in. When he dedicates himself at the defensive end, he has unlimited potential. Jeff wants to win desperately.

"We got off track Friday night [in what could wind up being a damaging loss at Archbishop Carroll], but this was a good way to get back on track. Coming here off a loss is no bargain."

Lijah Thompson most aided Jones with 16 points (three dunks), and eight apiece of rebounds and blocks. Rob DiNicola had eight points and six assists while Tim Vanderslice, responding in great fashion to a demotion to sixth man because of recent shooting woes, sniped 4-for-4 on treys en route to 15 points.

West's leaders were Rob Holloman (21 points, three assists) and Eric Brennan (18, 10 boards, three assists).

The clincher came at 0:27, making the score 75-67, as Thompson deflected Haleem "P-Nut" Hayward's jumper and Jones converted a fastbreak layup while absorbing contact.

When Jones was asked what he most needs to improve to prepare for his UVA days, he shot back, "Everything. I'm always working on my handling and shooting. After the season, I'll work even harder on my strength and conditioning to get ready for the banging of the ACC.

"That league is 10 times more physical than high school ball. The play is 10 times faster."

In Virginia's media guide next year, there could be this 10-word note: Finished his career as the Philadelphia Catholic League's leading scorer.

Jones would also love to see this one: As a senior, he led his team to the championship. *