Science Hill High School

Kenny Jones

Kenny Jones, 1966

Kenny Jones should’ve pumped gas: he could fill it up. Jones was a three-time all-conference player in basketball and scored 47 points in a game for Elvin Little as a senior in 1966 against the Training School (University High).

"Kenny was a heck of a basketball player," Little said. "He was a great shooter and a great scorer. He had one of the quickest releases of any player I ever had. He was a good baseball player too"

The 5-11 guard averaged over 23 points per game as a senior, led the Big Seven in scoring and was All-State. He made two game-winning shots to beat Elizabethton his junior season. He said the first was from near half-court at the buzzer.

But the second was more gratifying. He made a last-second jumper from the top of the circle, which broke a tie to give the Hilltoppers a district title.

"I remember after that second game-winner,” Jones said, “Elizabethton's Coach (John) Treadway said he never wanted to see another Jones. That made me feel good.”

A third baseman, Jones all-conference three years for John Broyles. He started as a sophomore when the 'Toppers finished third in the state.

The Cincinnati Reds were interested in signing Jones to play baseball. Jones' father was interested in him getting an education.

So Jones signed to play baseball and basketball at Milligan. Harold Stout was his coach. He was drafted after one year at Milligan, and ended up in Vietnam. He attended ETSU after two years in the service.

"Getting to play for John Broyles and Elvin Little was wonderful," Jones said. "I have nothing but high praises for them."

Other than coming along before the 3-point line, Jones has no regrets about his Science Hill career.

“If we’d had it,” Jones said, “I probably would have (scored 50 or more).”