Nixa's Allison Jones shook off a lingering flu bug to establish herself in the post at the Pink & White Lady Classic last week.
After battling sickness for two weeks leading up to Christmas, she totaled 37 points in the Lady Eagles' four games at the Pink & White. She had 10 points in the Pink Division final.
"If you're going to come off of sickness and head into a four-day tournament, that's tough. She did it," Coach Jennifer Perryman said. "She pushed hard through that."
Playing healthy was a welcome relief for Jones.
"(The flu) took effect at the beginning of (December) when we were playing Grain Valley and Lee's Summit, and it lasted quite a while," Jones said. "I had to play through it. It took a big toll on my body and my mind. I think I'm fully back now."
Jones tried to go through practices and games, before opting to rest.
"I hate having to sit out practice. (For a two-game trip to) Tennessee, I had to sit out most of the games because I couldn't handle (the sickness)," she said. "It's hard to sit there and watch your team. But I knew it was best for my body to heal. Once I realized I needed to rest, I was able to get back."
Jones is averaging 6.9 points a game and has 39 rebounds, including a team-high 17 offensive boards. She also leads the Lady Eagles with an .895 free-throw percentage (17-of-19).
Jones' emergence gives Nixa a potent 1-2 punch in the paint with her and forward Norah Clark, who has a 13.3 scoring average. Jones plays around the basket and Clark receives the ball anywhere around the paint.
"I like playing down low and to get physical," Jones said. "I have to be strong and guard (the opponent's) biggest girl. I like that challenge."
"She does a good job in the post defensively and offensively," Perryman said. "She's been consistent for us as far as defensive rebounding and has been a great spark at the beginning of games and quarters to get quick buckets."
