MACOMB, Ill. - The Leatherneck Women's Basketball program is excited to welcome another addition to its 2026 roster: Jaelyn Jones, a 5'10" guard from Walton, Kentucky. Jones arrives in Macomb following a standout career at Ryle High School.

During her junior year at Ryle, Jones established herself as one of the top players in the state, averaging 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game while shooting an impressive 87 percent from the free-throw line. She ranked fourth in Kentucky in free-throw percentage, finished among the top 50 scorers statewide, and earned selections to the 33rd District All-Tournament Team, 9th Region All-Tournament Team, NKAC Division I All-Conference Team, and the All-9th Region First Team. Jones also reached the 1,000-point milestone, was recognized as a Kentucky Junior All-Star, and collected multiple honors, including Battle of the Borders MVP, WGM Holiday Classic Player of the Game, and the All-State Academic Award.

As a sophomore, Jones collected additional honors, including 33rd District All-Tournament Team recognition, NKAC Division I All-Conference, and All-9th Region Honorable Mention. That season, she averaged 12 points, 4 rebounds, shot 35% from three, and 80% from the free-throw line. She also competed at the 2023 US Open Basketball Championships.

Jones chose Western Illinois because she values the family-oriented culture within the program and believes the coaching staff and players create the ideal environment for her to grow and contribute.

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