Boca Raton, FL: In a game that was played down to the wire until the very end, where every shot counted — literally — Kings Academy out of West Palm Beach, FL stunned St. John Paul II Academy (SJP) at their home court in Boca Raton.
Senior combo guard Javian Jones is the leading scorer for the Lions, averaging 20 points a game, and has remained a crucial asset in the Lions’ success this season. Jones is a dual-athlete who presents a flashy playing style and is extremely efficient on both sides of the floor.
Jones is aggressive when driving down the court, calls his own number, and is a selfless player dishing the ball out to his teammates to get the bucket; Jones racked up seven assists in last night’s game vs. SJP.
Nearing the end of regulation, SJP was up 51-48 after guard Sebastian Messa hit a free throw to extend their lead to three. After inbounding the ball, Jones was able to get downcourt in five seconds, shot a contested fadeaway three, and drained it at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! @JavianJones8 sends this one to OT
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) January 15, 2025
51-51 pic.twitter.com/E1qKhW6rkr
“These four years, I’ve been working for this moment, and in all these moments, every time, I just know I got to get the ball and make that shot for my team to win,” said Jones. “Fadeaway threes are my thing, so I knew it’s either I make it or I miss.”
In overtime, both teams exchanged nail-biting buckets that kept the score close for the remainder of the game. While SJP made an and-one three, resulting in a four-point play for the Eagles, it just was not enough to come back from their deficit.
The Lions closed out the victory with a 68-65 overtime win and will play their next game at home vs. a West Palm foe, Palm Beach Lakes, on Thursday, Jan. 16.
Photo Credits via Christian Proscia
