North Duplin senior Kasey Jones signed a national letter-of-intent to play softball at Barton College next year.
CALYPSO — A small school atmosphere with one-on-one instruction in the classroom, Barton College is the next destination for Kasey Jones.
But, she chose the school for another reason — her sister, Logan. Logan Jones is Barton freshman and will play softball there beginning spring 2023.
“It’s always kind of been a dream to be able to play with her for another three years,” Kasey said. “There’s a strong trust between us because we have played together for so long. It’s definitely going to be hard without her this year. I plan to call and talk to her after all of her games.
“I know she’ll call me after mine.”
Until that reunion takes place, Jones has one season left at North Duplin, a tight-knit rural community that eats, breathes and lives softball.
Last spring, she batted .373 with 22 hits and eight RBI. Defensively, she notched more than 60 putouts behind the plate and helped groom a pair of first-year pitchers who combined for 13 wins inside the circle.
The Rebels claimed their second consecutive Carolina 1A crown and third overall since 2017. Their season ended with a second-round playoff loss at Chatham Central.
“Catchers are some of the smartest people on the field … the eyes of the field [and] see everything,” Jones said. “They have to be the most vocal. That’s me. It’s just kind of where I fit in.”
New BC head coach Melisa Shock expects Jones to protect the dish.
The Bulldogs logged a 29-12 worksheet that included a third-place finish in Conference Carolinas regular-season play last spring.
Jones realizes her mental game needs to get stronger.
“I’m going to have to really work for it,” Jones said. “I have full intentions to go there, work hard and earn a spot. So, I’m going to have to get mentally tougher.”
Barton’s small atmosphere, student-to-teacher ratio and academic excellence in athletics also factored into Jones’ decision. She plans to follow in her mom’s footsteps and major in elementary education.
““I love kids and get that from my mom [Tracie],” Jones said. “I knew that whatever I wanted to do, I wanted to work with children. I’m thinking either kindergarten or first grade.”
