Most incoming freshmen at the Class 6A or 5A varsity levels are simply trying to find their way to the gym and not make mistakes. For Deer Creek’s Paityn Jones, the goal is to help the team win now in any way possible. Her confidence as a player has shown her teammates and upperclassmen that she is focused and ready to play. Head coach Hope Heinen said Jones is, “an incoming freshman that should have an immediate impact.”
Jones is known as a scorer, but she has worked on all aspects of her game coming into the new season.
“The strengths of my game are my scoring ability and how well I handle pressure. I know I need to improve my defense and rebounding—I think I get so excited to get back on offense that I don’t always focus on the defensive side. But that’s something I’m committed to working on,” Jones said.
Jones has embraced her teammates and loves being part of the Deer Creek family.
“What I love most about my teammates is how we all care for each other like family. They always find a way to make me laugh, and they always lift me up when I make a mistake,” said Jones. “The most vocal teammate on the court is probably Darien Johnson, she keeps everyone hyped and locked in. And the one who keeps everyone laughing is definitely Eliana Ross. She is seriously hilarious, and I’m pretty sure everyone on the team would agree.”
Finding inspiration to work hard at her craft is easy.
“The people who inspire me the most are definitely my parents. Seeing how much time and money they’ve put into my basketball career pushes me to work harder so I can reach my goals and make everything they’ve invested worth it,” Jones said.
Throughout her basketball career, Jones said the number of people who helped her get to where she is today is overwhelming.
“Honestly, the biggest surprise of my basketball journey has been realizing how many people believe in me and follow my progress. Three years ago, I never would’ve imagined I’d be where I am now or have this much support behind me,” Jones said.
In the classroom, Jones has her favorites.
“My favorite subject in school is science because it comes naturally to me, and my favorite teacher was Mrs. Tish from my 8th-grade year at Grind Prep. On all our trips, she was always my biggest hype man—even when I didn’t get much playing time,” said Jones. “She pushed me to be my best in the classroom, on the court, and in everyday life. I’ll always love and appreciate everything she’s done for me.”
As for her first season at Deer Creek High School?
I’m looking forward to leading my teammates and making my freshman season one to remember,” Jones said. “My favorite moment from all my seasons so far has to be my first high school game. I’ll never forget hearing my name called in the starting lineup and doing my handshake while the crowd cheered. The feeling was unreal—and scoring 25 points that night made it even more unforgettable.”
