THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, November 6, 1995 TAG: 9511060182
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
Three years ago, Kevin Jones was cut from the Tallwood volleyball team.
This year, he has set a team record for kills and helped pace the Lions to a 19-1 record and the Beach District regular-season and tournament titles.
What made the difference? A little bit of height and a lot of practice.
``It was just one of those decisions, should I keep him or should I cut him? But I went ahead and cut him,'' coach David Early said of his decision to cut Jones as a freshman. ``Last year when he came back he had improved so much from playing Junior Olympics and he'd grown. He's come so far.
``He's our first legitimate shot at getting a scholarship.''
Jones, now a junior, is a powerhouse at the net. He has used his 6-foot-5 height and a solid fundamental game to obliterate Tallwood's record of 100 kills in a season. During regular season competition, Jones nailed 168 kills. In two tournament outings, he added another 36. He also has almost 50 blocks and is able to set the ball.
``I spent a lot of time working on it and I pick things up pretty quickly,'' Jones said. ``I played with some people who were better than me and just improved. ''
His physical domination is coupled with an unswerving desire to win it all. This year, the Lions returned five starters - next year, they return only two.
The Lions enter Eastern Region competition at Tallwood Tuesday against Great Bridge at 3. Beach runner-up Cox plays Southeastern District winner Western Branch at 4:30. The top two teams will be invited to play the top two Central Region competitors in an ``unofficial'' state tournament.
``All of us feel like it might be our last chance to do really well,'' Jones said. ``We'll be a strong team next year and we'll win a lot of games, but I don't know if we'll win the district.
Eastern Region tournament girls play begins today at Tallwood. Indian River plays Tabb at 4:30, followed by Maury against Kempsville at 6 and Booker T. Washington against Salem at 7:30. Western Branch received a first-round bye. ILLUSTRATION: Kevin Jones spiked Tallwood's season record of 100 kills - with
168. Region play starts today.
by CNB