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Naperville Central star Trinity Jones has grown, literally and figuratively, since her freshman season ended in February.
For one thing, she has added nearly 2 inches to her height.
But the more significant advancement came in the 6-foot-3 Jones’ mentality. Her confidence grew immensely after helping the U16 national team win the Americas Championship in Merida, Mexico, last month.
Jones was one of 55 girls invited to the tryouts, which were held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She and 11 others made the cut.
“I didn’t know I was going to make the team, but once I did it was such an exciting and joyful moment,” she said. “Out of all the girls basketball players in the country, they chose 55, and I was a part of it. So right there that was a confidence boost. Of course, making the team, that was another confidence boost.”
The U.S. rolled to its fourth straight championship in the tournament, which has been held every two years since 2009. After winning their three games in pool play by an average of 82 points, the Americans beat the Dominican Republic 106-34 in the quarterfinals and Argentina 112-48 in the semifinals before defeating Canada 79-59 to capture the gold medal on June 19.
Jones did not start but played in all six games, averaging 15 minutes, 9.5 points and 6.7 rebounds. She had 19 points and nine rebounds in a 124-39 win against Puerto Rico, and 13 points, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks against the Dominican Republic.
All of the players got to keep their jerseys and gold medals. Jones will treasure both.
“Once I got the jersey with my last name on it, I felt like I made it,” she said. “I really cherished that moment. I’m very blessed.”
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The U.S. is blessed with an abundance of talent. It is one of four teams from the tournament to qualify for the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup in Mexico.
The U16 team has been a steppingstone for many of the game’s greatest players, including Bolingbrook’s Ariel Massengale and Breanna Stewart in 2009, Sabrina Ionescu in 2013 and Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers in 2017.
Jones is the first Naperville Central player to represent the country internationally while in high school. She joins Massengale and Young’s Linnae Harper (2011) as the only Illinois girls to compete in the Americas tournament at the U16 level. It started five years after Candace Parker graduated from Naperville Central.
“What a great honor just to be invited,” Naperville Central coach Andy Nussbaum said. “To make the final 12 is a great accomplishment for her.”
Jones played both forward positions for the U.S., which took full advantage of its height and physical superiority.
“Personally, it was making sure I execute all the plays and have high energy on the court and play my game, don’t try to do anything different,” Jones said. “That’s why I felt like I did pretty good.”
The trip to Mexico was the first time Jones went abroad. She returned in time to play in the Redhawks’ final summer league game.
“We are really excited about what Trinity was able to accomplish,” Nussbaum said. “I’m just thrilled for her that she was able to get the experience. Regardless of what happens going forward, that’s a life experience that she’ll never forget.”
Jones has nearly 30 Division I scholarship offers, including from such prestigious programs as Iowa, Maryland, Miami, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina. With three years of high school remaining, she said she isn’t close to making a college commitment.
Jones averaged 20.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, 2.3 steals, 2.2 blocks and 2.2 assists last season. She was named the DuPage Valley Conference player of the year and was picked for the all-state first team.
Jones is one of three returning starters for the Redhawks, who also welcome back junior guard Callie Tumilty and sophomore guard Erin Hackett from a team that reached the Class 4A sectional semifinals.
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“Hopefully we take it downstate,” Jones said. “I would love to see myself and my team play downstate. It would be fun.”
Nussbaum has had fun observing Jones practice this summer.
“She just makes things look so easy,” Nussbaum said. “She is so smooth. She simultaneously has an easygoing spirit and yet she wants to win.
“I’m just really excited about our potential for next year. Her experience in Mexico is going to be a huge plus for us.”
It will be for Jones too.
“I’m a lot more mentally strong because I just played overseas at 15 years old,” she said. “It’s like, ‘OK, I’m here for a reason.’”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.