PLAYOFF PROFILES : First Things First for Jones

Montclair Prep opened defense of its Division V State boys’ basketball title with a 78-44 victory over Lone Pine on Tuesday night.

The victory was all the more impressive considering the Mounties were missing their best player.

Anwawn Jones, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound senior forward, was the State Division V player of the year as a junior, averaging 17.6 points and 11.7 rebounds a game. He will join the Mounties later this month because his immediate--and distant--future--is on the football field.

He is one of the key players for the Mounties, who are riding a 19-game unbeaten streak and will play top-seeded Atascadero tonight at 7:30 at Atascadero High.

“We’ve got to get the ball in his hands,” said Montclair Prep Coach George Giannini of Jones, who plays tight end and outside linebacker. “He’s one of our best athletes and players.”

As the season has progressed, Jones has worked his way more and more into the run-reliant Mountie offense. His 14 receptions are twice as many as any other player has and he leads Montclair Prep with four touchdown receptions.

But his future might lie in defense. Jones rushes the passer and drops back into coverage. Along with his half-brother, Rahshawn, and linebacker Ken Peffer, the Mounties lead the region defensively, allowing 139.5 yards a game.

Once the Mounties’ season is concluded, Jones, running back Akil Anderson and wide receiver Scott Stark will rejoin the basketball squad. All three started for Montclair Prep last year.

Basketball Coach Howard Abrams planned ahead. Last season, the trio missed the first 12 games as Montclair Prep won the Division X title in football. This season, Montclair Prep played only one game the opening week.