Who is Zamareya Jones? Meet one of NC State's brightest March Madness stars
Who is Zamareya Jones? Meet one of NC State's brightest March Madness stars
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Games to watch in the women's March Madness Sweet Sixteen
The women's March Madness tournament is heating up, and Meghan Hall gives some of the best matchups to watch in the Sweet Sixteen.
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The NC State women's basketball team may be the Wolfpack, but they have a dog in freshman Zamareya Jones.
NC State trailed LSU by as many as 11 points in the first quarter of their Sweet 16 matchup in Spokane, Washington on Friday, but Jones provided a spark plug off the bench and dropped 11 consecutive points to give the Wolfpack its first lead since the opening minutes of the game. NC State led 40-36 at halftime.
"I'm built for this," Jones told ESPN's Holly Rowe at halftime. "I'm a dog. So when a dog's name is called, a dog comes out. I'm just ready to play."
This may be Jones' first women's NCAA Tournament, but she looks far from a rookie. Here's everything you need to know about the March Madness star:
NC STATE freshman Zamareya Jones builds retro Lego radio on Sweet 16 flight. Where to buy
How old is Zamareya Jones?
The freshman guard was born on March 6, 2006 and turned 19 earlier this month. NC State sent a birthday message to the rookie on social media, writing, "Everyone wish the happiest of birthdays to @ZamareyaJones."
Where is Zamareya Jones from?
Jones is from Bethel, North Carolina. She attended North Pitt High School, where she led her team to its first state championship since 2018 by averaging 25.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 4.2 steals per game. Jones was named a 2024 McDonald's All-American and earned North Carolina Player of the Year nods by several local outlets. The five-star recruit committed to NC State in November 2023 following official visits from many schools, including Baylor, Alabama, Florida State, Georgia and Mississippi State.
Zamareya Jones stats
Jones has appeared in 29 games (two starts) this season and has averaged 6.9 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists. She had 12 points (5-of-9 FG) in NC State's 83-49 second-round NCAA Tournament win over No. 7 Michigan State. Her career high is 18 points, which she recorded in NC State's 72-42 win over Louisville on Dec, 15.
What are Zamareya Jones hobbies?
When Jones isn't on the basketball court, she's still finds a way to use her hands. On the team's cross-country flight to the Spokane 1 regional for the Sweet 16, Jones kept herself busy by completing a retro radio LEGO set. She started the hobby last summer with a Jeep set. Once the final piece was placed, her passion for building was sparked. Now, Jones has a growing collection of builds, including Mario, Spider-Man, Pac-Man, and the beloved Experiment 626 Stitch.
Contributing: Banji Bamidele
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