Memphis, Tenn. - Although it wasn't the result she and the team wanted in their 64-41 loss to Rhodes College Friday night, Kaya Jones of Illinois Tech women's basketball enjoyed a standout performance in front of family and friends in the Scarlet Hawks season opener in Memphis, Tennessee.

Jones scored 23 points to lead all scorers in the game. She finished 9 of 12 from the field and 4 of 5 from the free throw line. She added 2 rebounds and 2 assists.

Jones, a senior guard for the Scarlet Hawks, is a native of Memphis, and attended nearby Memphis East High School. Jones' final season at Memphis East was her junior year, when she averaged 15.2 points per game, 2.9 rebounds per game, 4.7 assists per game, and 2.1 steals per game. Jones senior season was canceled due to the pandemic.

The weekend trip to Memphis for the Rhodes College Tip-off Classic allowed the Scarlet Hawks the opportunity for Jones to play in her hometown, while she and the team enjoyed some home cooking with the Jones family. Jones and the team will have one more game in her hometown, as they will take on East Texas Baptist University on Saturday in their finale in the Tip-off Classic.

For the game itself, the Scarlet Hawks got out to a slow start in the first half, but played more competitive ball in the second half, including playing even with the Lynx in a 14-14 fourth quarter.

Grace Goodnough added 6 points and 4 rebounds for the Scarlet Hawks.

Up Next
The Scarlet Hawks will close out their stay in the Rhodes College Tip-off Classic with a matchup against East Texas Baptist Unversity on Saturday at 1:00pm.