The Class 4A-Region III quarterfinals have been Jones' stumbling block the last two seasons as the Falcons were eliminated by Angleton and Friendswood, respectively. But coach Quincy Shelton was confident Jones, the area's top-ranked Class 4A team, would get past Yates Wednesday night at Delmar and advance to the Region III Tournament coming up Friday and Saturday at the Berry Center in Cypress. "This is the year we go all the way to state," said Shelton, whose 31-5 squad rates as one of the regional favorites. "I really feel it."
Jones looked in peak form in a 64-43 area round victory over Austin McCallum last week. Sarah Stewart pumped in four 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 25 points to lead the Falcons. Jamie Simmons tallied 15 pounds and 14 rebounds, while Jamie Whitfield scored an even dozen.

"This is the most balanced team I've had," said Shelton, who has coached Jones to 30-win seasons three of the past four years. "We've got an excellent inside-outside attack." Simmons, a post-wing, is averaging a double double (20 points, 12 rebounds) to lead the Falcons. Mariah Lee (10 points, eight rebounds) also has excelled in the post.  Jones counters on the outside with the sharp-shooting Stewart (20 points), while Whitfield (14 points, eight assists) has been steady at point guard. "Any of those four players can lead us any given night," Shelton said. "We're balanced." Shelton said the Falcons have been clamoring for attention. They should get it if they advance to the Class 4A state tourney for the first time in school history