Jackson High senior Naomi Jones committed to play her college basketball at the University of Alabama on Thursday morning.

The multi-time Class 4A first-team All-State selection averaged 15.4 points, 11 rebounds and 1.4 assists for the 24-4 Aggies a year ago. She also had 107 blocks.

“Naomi is an exceptional student-athlete,” Jackson coach Trinnia McKenzie-Smith said. “She’s very smart. She’s an honor student. On the court, she is now developing as a leader. She loves to push her teammates and make them better. She is our leader for sure.”

Because of her size (6-foot-3), Jones plays the center position in high school. However, McKenzie-Smith said Alabama coaches have already told her she will be a forward in Tuscaloosa.

“They will have her play the 3-4,” McKenzie-Smith said. “She plays the 5 for us out of necessity, but Naomi works really hard. She knows what it takes to step away from the basket. They’ve told her she will be a stretch 4. That will work because she can step out and shoot the 3 as well.”

Jones was also a first-team All-State selection as a sophomore when she averaged 13.2 points and 10.5 rebounds. She also had 57 blocks.

The Aggies lost to Vigor in the regional final a year ago and to Anniston in the state semifinals in 2021. McKenzie-Smith said the goal was clear for Jones and this year’s team.

“State championship,” she said. “That’s the ultimate goal – to bring the blue map back to Jackson. The girls have been working hard. They know the goal and what we are after.”

Jackson opens the season Nov. 9 in the McGill-Toolen Tip-Off Tournament.