Strong-willed, prideful and fun.
These are the words women’s basketball coach Wendy Palmer used to describe senior Ladasia Jones.
Known around Riverside as “Lala”, Jones is a senior from New York and has been playing basketball for 14 years and played for Riverside’s varsity team for four years.
A three year captain, Jones is a strong leader.
“[She’s] very caring,” Palmer said. “She cares about her teammates. She cares about her coaches.”
Jones’ skills and leadership were crucial for the Lady Pirates.
“On the court she can get to the basket at will and she can definitely shoot to three,” Palmer said. “She loves the game.”
Jones also brings a positive attitude to practices and games.
“When she takes to court she has that in her heart and definitely possesses the Riverside pride,” Palmer said.
One of the highlight of Jones’ basketball is the last second shot win against Panther Creek this season.
“She stepped up in situations coming into a season with a new coach and her last year;” Palmer said. “It can be very different and challenging at times, but she rose to the challenge and worked hard.”
The Lady Pirates finished with a 3-7 conference record. In the future, she plans on attending college, although she has not decided which one yet. She is hoping for a basketball scholarship and wants to someday play professional basketball overseas.
Lala recently achieved one of her goals; to make the All-State Conference.
