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.

Jones was beyond thrilled for the opportunity to play back home.

"Playing in Memphis means everything to me," said Jones. "Other than my parents and my brother, many of my family members haven't been able to see me play since before the pandemic—especially my grandparents. My family and friends finally got to meet the people who have made Chicago my second home, which is my team. Having everyone together in my home, sharing a meal… it's bigger than basketball; it's about creating memories with the people you love. I am very blessed and forever grateful."

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. Jones scored 8 points in the quarter on 3 of 3 shooting, 1 for 1 from three-point range, and made 1 of 2 free throws.

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

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