Before They Drew X's and O's, BB 2009-10

Before They Drew X's and O's . . .

As you can imagine, many of the head coaches and assistants currently associated with city
leagues' basketball teams are former players. Since I'm ancient (smile), I wrote stories about
many of them during their high school careers.
We hope you enjoy this new feature.
Would you like to see a story about someone who played in the Public, Catholic or Inter-Ac
leagues and is now a coach (assuming I did one on him)? Send me a note at silaryt@phillynews.com.
Thanks,
Ted

This story concerns assistant Jarrard "Mutch" Jones, who has helped
Imhotep Charter win the last two Public League championships.

JONES LIFTS SOUTHERN OVER GAMP

Dec 31, 1998

by Ted Silary, Daily News Sports Writer

WILDWOOD, N.J. -- Jarrard `` Mutch '' Jones has become a primary player in two sports at Southern High and he intends to achieve a hat trick in the spring.

Lou D'Alonzo, who doubles as the football coach, has talked Jones into trying baseball.

``I'll give it a shot at first base or the outfield. There aren't too many spots for lefthanders,'' Jones said. ``I won some MVP trophies in middle school, but it was softball back then. I shouldn't have waited so long to play baseball. But I was thinking, `That high school pitching is kind of fast. ' I'm ready now. It would mean a lot to me to be a three-sport guy.

``Around my way, 19th and Mifflin, it's kind of rough. Sports keeps me out of trouble and focused on school. ''

Yesterday, Jones and his basketball teammates met at 10 a.m. at Southern, sardined themselves into a van and traveled here to meet Girard Academic Music Program, its South Philly neighbor, for seventh place in the Big Al Memorial Classic, part of the two-tiered Buckets by the Beach, The Tournament.

Southern triumphed, 67-46, as Jones, a 6-1 wing guard, shot 5-for-9 (2-for-3 on three-pointers) for 12 points while adding four assists and four steals. Torrence Hemmingway, an athletic junior forward, added 14 points.

The only downer for Jones was that his best buddy, small forward Thomas ``June'' Terry, missed much of the action because of back miseries. Jones, a 1,020-yard rusher, and Terry, a tight end, were two of Southern's football players. They are also basketball coach George Anderson's only experienced returnees.

``We have talent. It's a matter of coming together,'' Jones said. ``Coach looks to June and me to bring the guys along and make sure everybody hustles and fills their roles. ''

GAMP, which received 14 points and 15 rebounds from small forward Anthony Williams and 10 points and three assists from wing guard Tom DeMarco, is a 10-block walk from Southern. The rec center it uses for home games is only two blocks from Southern.

``I don't know their guys, though,'' Jones said. ``They know me. They kept saying my name. They must have read about me during football season. They must think I'm some kind of star. They had their best defensive player stickin' me. ''

The personable Jones is hoping to play football and basketball at a small college.

In other consolations:

Cardinal Dougherty claimed fifth place by demolishing Wildwood, 67-41. Greg Mayo led the way with 14 points.

In the Ray Martin Classic, Tom Whitworth scored 22 points as Chestnut Hill Academy nipped Archbishop Carroll (Kevin Waterman 13), 45-44, for seventh place . . . Archbishop Wood deflated Absegami, of Absecon, N.J., 51-27, to seize third place as Tim Whalen scored 15 points.