Jones set to represent Lady'Backs at Arkansas All-Star Game

FAYETTEVILLE – Incoming freshman Whitney Jones got her first practice opportunity at Bud Walton Arena as the University of Arkansas hosts the 50th Annual Arkansas All-Star Week. Jones, a 6-0 signee for the Lady Razorback basketball team, is a member of the East team. The girls’ basketball all-star game is at 6 p.m. Thursday evening at Walton Arena. “It’s fun,” Jones said. “I’m looking forward to the game, and being back here next week.” Jones is enrolled for the second summer session at Arkansas to get a head start on her freshman year. “Unfortunately, we can’t watch the game, but we’re all excited that our women’s basketball fans will get a chance to catch a glimpse of the future,” UA women’s basketball coach Susie Gardner said. One of three signees in the Class of 2005, Jones finished her career at Blytheville High School as one of the top players in the state of Arkansas. Among her honors, she was named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s All-Arkansas team. “This is a special time for Whitney,” Gardner said. “This is the end of her high school career, but the start of her college career.” A double-double performer for the Chickasaws of BHS, Jones joins Houston area swing guard Ayana Brereton and Pensacola, Fla., junior college guard Dominique Washington. Jones is the first daughter of a Lady Razorback to sign at Arkansas in women’s basketball. Her mother, Diann Ousley Jones, was the first track and field national champion for the Lady’Backs, taking the national indoor 600-yard championship in 1979. Her mark of 1:21.22 remains the school record for the retired event.