Langston Hughes senior Tia Jones had her mind set on joining the Army after graduation. But now the game of basketball is causing her to think twice about that decision.

This season, Jones, who didn’t play high school basketball during her sophomore or junior season while living in Michigan, has been one of the Lady Panthers’ best scorers and 3-point shooters.

“I’ve been getting looks for basketball now and it’s making me think about things,” Jones said.

“She has been a special addition to the group I already had,” Langston Hughes coach Borato Broughton said. “She came in with a lot of basketball IQ and she’s a real tough girl.”

Jones was also very impressive in two of Broughton’s biggest wins — his first coaching victories over Westlake, where he was an assistant. The point guard scored 25 points, including the game-winning 3-pointer in the first meeting, and 18 points, including four 3-pointers in the rematch.

“She consistently knocks down shots and makes a play when you don’t expect her to make a play,” Broughton said.

Jones, who also enjoys playing softball, said she has already taken the oath of enlistment and is scheduled to do basic training at Fort Jackson.

Today, the Lady Panthers will host Valdosta in the quarterfinals of the Class AAAAAA playoffs.