Sophomore Season Recap: Olivia Jones (Lemoyne, PA)
Welcome back to the Factory Olivia. Yes, I’m working on a new engine now, but everything is the same since you’ve last been here. How has the offseason been so far?
“The offseason has been pretty good so far. School, AAU, and workouts have been keeping me busy these past few weeks since the season ended. It was nice to get some rest, and travel to several beaches in Florida before AAU got started up!”
- “Some changes I’ve noticed in the RPN would be the players that have joined. You have done an amazing job recruiting some of the best players from all around the world. When I first started at the RPN, it was just the beginning and you were trying to put pieces together. Since then, the network of athletes has skyrocketed since I first began. The RPN started off small and has turned into a factory of amazing athletes. I am interested in learning more about their stories, and pathway to success in athletics. As well as players’ lives outside of their sport!”
How has your sophomore year been so far?
“Sophomore year has gone pretty well this year aside from basketball. School has kept me very busy as I am taking four college classes this year. The overall environment away from basketball has been great. Not only just at school, but in the community as well. The support from the youth as well as parents has been tremendous. I also babysit, so that combined with basketball and volunteering at the elementary school, it has kept me very busy this year.”
Going back in time, preparation all starts from what you did before the lights came on. How was the fall period for you?
“The fall period was super busy for me. School was very challenging at this point, but I was also going to soccer five times a week. Additionally, I was going down to Carlisle for shooting practice, lifting, making open gym practices, and going to the gym to do more individual work. Soccer was very fun this year and just playing beside one of my best friends, Taylor Ferraro in her main sport was so special. Coach Nick (Hammaker) brought a sense of purpose back to the soccer program as he took the lead this season. His enthusiasm and desire to excel helped to motivate the players, and get the very best of each athlete. His style and approach was a good fit for me as a competitive athlete that was willing to work hard to contribute to the soccer team.”
“Being named first team All-Conference in soccer was kind of crazy to me.” She continued. “I really just play soccer to give me a break from basketball, and to keep me in shape. So this recognition was such a nice achievement to have earned on the field. This fall period was full of a lot of basketball workouts, training, and time spent in the gym. Also, time spent watching film with my dad, so I feel all of this combined is what really helped me to excel this year.”
- “My sophomore season was a very special season for me. This was my last go around with these seniors who have been some of my closest friends, since I was in the second grade and joined their fourth grade AAU team. This bond and long time friendship made us all want to win, and reach our goals together that much more. I couldn’t have been prouder of everything we achieved this year as a team. Even though it didn’t end how I wanted for these seniors, we still accomplished so much. We made history for Cedar Cliff in going undefeated in the regular season, and winning the Keystone Division and Mid-Penn Conference for two years in a row. The District 3 championship win this year was also the first in school history. This was the first time for the girls basketball program to reach a state championship final game as well. All of these accomplishments can be attributed to the work of every player on our team. While some of us get the bulk of recognition, we all know and understand that it takes the work of the entire team and program. Pushing one another to elevate the team to the level of success that we were able to see this year, as well as last year.”
- “This year was everything and more. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to play with, and experience this whole season with. This part of the chapter was really special to me because I have been playing basketball with these girls for almost my whole life. To see everything that we accomplished together just meant so much to me, and I can’t wait to see what they all do in college and life.”
- “I have really been working on improving my shot, ball handling, and creating space recently. I have been focused on these three things since the end of the school season, and will continue to try to improve these aspects everyday all summer.”
- “My college recruitment has been going pretty good lately. I recently just picked up an offer from Towson on Monday to add to the three others that I have which are St Joseph’s, Delaware, and Monmouth. I am also talking regularly with a few other colleges, and they are planning to see me several times this summer.”
The AAU live period is important to a prospect’s high school career. You’ve played with the Philly Belles for two years, but are in different colors now. Walking across the street to Philly Rise, what was the process behind the move to the EYBL?
“Playing with the Philly Belles was a great opportunity for me when I made the decision to leave Mid Penn Motion in eighth grade. This really helped me gain exposure, and I learned so many valuable lessons from all of my amazing coaches at the Belles. After last season, I really just decided I wanted a greater challenge. I wanted to play on the highest stage possible, which meant I needed to move to a circuit team. A lot of my old teammates from the Belles played on this Philly Rise team, so I figured it would be a great fit. When I decided to make the switch to Rise, they were so welcoming and really gave me that ‘home’ and ‘family’ feel. I truly look for that in every environment that I am looking to be part of.”
What are some tournaments that you ladies will be playing in this circuit?
“We have had two tournaments so far, the first at the Western PA Bruins Tip off Tourney and the second at the Boo Williams Invitational, which was EYBL Session 1. Let me walk you through it though. This summer we are also going to Dallas, Texas on May 18 through the 21 for EYBL Session 2. The Prime East Event at Spooky Nook on June 10 through 11. Then, Nike Tourney of Champions (TOC) in Chicago from July 6 to 10 for EYBL Session 3. Orlando, Florida for the Orlando Splash from July 20 to the 21. Lastly, the National Champions on July 22 through the 24.”
What do you believe are the greatest challenges most players are facing today?
“In my opinion, the greatest challenge most players are facing today is the transfer portal. I think that high school players are being highly affected by this. A lot of coaches are recruiting a college player who already has an idea of what they are doing, rather than a highschool athlete who is new and trying to figure things out. I think the transfer portal has definitely changed the game especially for high school players.”
Our interests change throughout time, but it’s important for recruits to have an idea about college basketball. You’re at the midway point of the process, but what do you ideally look for in a school?
“I want to go to a school where I feel the program really truly cares about me as a person. Being ranked third in my class academically, I also want to go to a school that will be a good fit for me in the college classroom. In terms of basketball, I look for that ‘family like’ atmosphere in a program. That’s where I believe that I can perform at my best on a regular basis.”
What are your expectations heading into junior year?
“My expectation heading into junior year is to become a better player. All summer in the few areas of my game is where I think I will need to improve. I also want to continue to provide the leadership that my team needs to help each player to reach their fullest potential as well.”
Thank you Olivia once again for taking the time to talk with me. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation? Any last words?
“Place everything in God’s hands, and he will take care of it all. Thank you!”
