2022 Elijah Jones is a Promising Forward Programs Should Know

Mt. Zion Prep has not experience the confusion that COVID-19 has brought onto other programs in the state of Maryland. Because they're a prep school, they have more freedom to schedule games without much issue. The Warriors are off to a red-hot start as they sport a 7-0 record with marquee wins over programs such as Sunrise Christian and Massanutten Military Academy. A team loaded with sound guard play, Elijah Jones has been the tone-setter in the paint for Mt. Zion.

Jones is an active forward at 6-foot-8 and runs the floor with determination. He's a double-double threat every game he takes the court and continues to improve in smaller areas now that he's playing a higher level of competition.

"I feel like Mt. Zion really prepares you for the next level," Jones told Prep Hoops. "Coming from New Jersey, New Jersey basketball and DMV basketball are two different ballparks. DMV basketball is way more physical and me playing against older guys in practice and games is really getting me better."

Jones has good size for 6-foot-8, but there's no denying he will still need to fill out a bit before taking the floor for a college program. However for the time being, his strength and aggression are more than enough to snag rebounds on both ends and assert himself early in the course of games. He approaches the glass with the mindset of every rebound belongs to him.

"Just because I'm tall doesn't mean I'm going to get every rebound. You still have to stick to the fundamentals and box out. You have to pursue the ball and you can't be caught lacking."

Jones is also effective at taking advantage of opposing players that fail to stick by the fundamentals. He's effective on the offensive glass and has a quick second jump after grabbing the board to get easy put backs. Jones is utilized as a ball-screener and plays heavily off the playmaking guards around him. Going forward, adding to his arsenal will be a focus for him.

"Just becoming a better player all-around," Jones said when asked about what he needs to improve. "I want to expand my game more than within the paint to eventually shoot more jumpshots, do things off the dribble and all that."

Jones' recruiting has been at a standstill for over a year, but his play with Mt. Zion should guarantee mid-major and even some high-major attention. Bryant, Mississippi Valley State and Rider are the three programs that have offered while James Madison is the most recent program to inquire.