Former Varina, Hermitage basketball player finds new collegiate home

Former Varina and Hermitage high school basketball player Darius Jones has transferred to Francis Marion University to continue his collegiate basketball career, the school recently announced.

Jones, a 6-foot-3 junior guard, played his freshman season at Richard Bland College, averaging 9.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in 24 games.

Last year, he averaged 12.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game in 28 games for Garrett College in Maryland, helping the Lakers to an 18-11 record and the Division II Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference Tournament championship. Jones earned WPCC All-Conference honors and NJCAA All-Region 20 honorable mention recognition for the 2021-22 season.

At Varina, Jones helped lead the Blue Devils to a Class 5 state championship and a 26-2 record. He then finished his prep career at Hermitage High School.

“Darius is a seasoned college player who can do a variety of things well on the court,” said Francis Marion Coach Gary Edwards. “He is a capable shooter, rebounder, and defender who will play multiple positions for the Patriots.”