DAHLONEGA — Averie Jones has been a catalyst in the Lumpkin County girls basketball team's run to the top of the Region 7-3A standings.
The freshman led the Lady Indians last week in scoring, including a 22-point performance against White County to help Lumpkin County seal the No. 1 seed in the region tournament and an automatic berth in the Class 3A tournament.
"I don't think it's just been the last week," Head Coach David Dowse said. "I think when Averie stepped on the floor the first time, I think she's unusually comfortable to be as young as she is."
Jones is averaging close to 16 points per game, 3.6 rebounds per game, 3 assists and 2.7 steals.
But she's very humble and says she feels it's now her duty to lead the team.
"I was really excited to play in this culture at the start, and now that we're here, it feels more like a responsibility to help my team get to the championship and hang a banner," Jones said.
Senior guard Isabel Davenport knows a thing or two about being looked to for leadership as a freshman. The senior University of North Georgia commit was in the same spot as a freshman and has been a catalyst in the revitalization of the program.
Davenport quickly noticed the impact Jones would and has made in her freshman season.
"She's younger, which is no exception," Davenport said. "She came into the program and has made an impact already. She works hard on and off the court and has put in the extra time after practice and on the weekends. Yeah, we love her."
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