West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois University Leatherneck Women's Basketball team has announced the addition of Jaelyn Jones to its 2026 roster. Jones, a 5-foot-10 guard from Walton, Kentucky, will join the program after a successful high school career at Ryle High School.

During her junior year, Jones averaged 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals per game. She also shot 87 percent from the free-throw line, ranking fourth in Kentucky for free-throw percentage. Her performance placed her among the top 50 scorers statewide. Jones received several honors including selections to the 33rd District All-Tournament Team, 9th Region All-Tournament Team, NKAC Division I All-Conference Team, and the All-9th Region First Team. She reached the 1,000-point milestone and was named a Kentucky Junior All-Star. Other accolades include Battle of the Borders MVP, WGM Holiday Classic Player of the Game, and an All-State Academic Award.

As a sophomore, Jones earned recognition on the 33rd District All-Tournament Team and NKAC Division I All-Conference list as well as an Honorable Mention for the All-9th Region team. That season she averaged 12 points and four rebounds per game while shooting 35 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the free-throw line. She also competed at the 2023 US Open Basketball Championships.

Jones explained her decision to join Western Illinois: "I chose Western Illinois because I value the family-oriented culture within the program and believe the coaching staff and players create the ideal environment for me to grow and contribute."

For more information about Leatherneck Women's Basketball or updates on their activities, visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow them on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.