Jones Sees Vikings Off On High Note

Josh McCart
Staff Writer

Sophomore center and business administration major Christian Jones has helped lead the Vikings men’s basketball team to a record above .500.

The Vikings maintained an 18 to 10 win-loss record heading into Sub-Regionals after defeating Fulton-Montgomery 82 to 75 in their final regular season game. Jones added five points to help the Vikings secure the victory against Fulton-Montgomery.

Jones started his basketball career between seven and eight-years-old.

“I played for the City Rocks organization for four to five years,” said Jones about his time playing travel basketball. “I also played for Latham Press along with Team Not Even Famous in my senior year,” he said.

Jones played four seasons of varsity basketball at Waterford-Halfmoon High School. At the small Section II Class C school, Jones led the team to the Section II semi-finals his junior year where they were defeated by Greenwich.

During his senior year, Waterford-Halfmoon made a run to the Section II championship game where they were beaten by Lake George.

After his high school career was finished, Jones chose to continue his academic and athletic career at Hudson Valley. He made this choice primarily due to it’s affordability and because many of his friends had played or currently play for Hudson Valley.

Men’s basketball head coach Mike Long believes Jones pushes his teammates to do their best, says Jones is, “One of the hardest workers on the team.”

Jones’ work ethic led him to a season best of 17 points scored in a loss to Herkimer earlier in the season. Jones went 8 for 12 from the field in this game and collected five rebounds.

“Chris was primarily responsible for a huge upset win we had earlier in the season against Finger Lakes,” said Long. In the upset, Jones contributed six points and ten boards in the Viking’s victory.

The most memorable moment for Jones’ season so far were his two dunks against Schenectady County Community College in the Viking’s 81-65 win. Jones scored four points, four rebounds and performed three blocks in the game.

Regarding the schoolwork-athletics balance, Jones does what he can to maintain higher grades.

“It’s pretty much just what you put your time into,” said Jones. “You can either put your time into social media and going out, or you can focus on school and sports and what really matters to you.”

“[Jones] is also an excellent student,” said Long. “Chris has represented Hudson Valley in the best way possible on and off the court,” he said.