Former Bulldogs join forces at Johnson University
Published 1:48 pm Thursday, January 25, 2018
- Star Photo/Bryce Phillips Former Hampton standouts Cody McClain, left, and Coby Jones, right, are pictured with their former high school coach and the current coach of the Hampton High School boys basketball team, Ned Smith, after Wednesday's game between Johnson University and Milligan College.
There was a lot of Hampton blue in the stands of the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse Wednesday evening as the Milligan men’s basketball team hosted Johnson University.
The reason so many the Bulldog fans came out to the game was the fact that former Hampton standouts Cody McClain and Coby Jones were both on the floor as they competed for the Johnson University Royals.
“Hampton has always had a great fan base,” said Jones after his 24 -point performance against the Buffaloes. “It is awesome to see them follow us.”
For both McClain and Jones, who played together at Hampton during the 2013-14 season when the Bulldogs made it to state semifinals, it is their first season with the Royals.
Jones came to Johnson University after two seasons at the University of the Cumberlands where he played football for the Patriots. Jones saw two starts at quarterback for the Patriots before deciding to leave the football program in pursuit of opportunities on the basketball court.
“It has been a trip,” said Jones. “Having Cody (McClain) here beside me has been a big help. I think the Lord for being able to switch over to basketball and being able to pursue something that I love.”
McClain started his collegiate basketball career at Tennessee Wesleyan where he played two seasons before transferring to Johnson University for his junior season.
“I love it there, said McClain about Johnson University. “It has a great culture. Coach (Brandon) Perry is a really great coach, and I really like it there.
“It is great having a former teammate,” McClain added about Jones. “I love him to death, and it has been fun.”
Like Jones, McClain was happy to see so many Hampton fans in the stands.
“That is my favorite place in the world and favorite people in the world,” said McClain. “I owe them everything.”
Also in attendance Wednesday night was Hampton boys basketball coach Ned Smith, who coached both McClain and Jones at Hampton.
“It is great to see two from your high school come and play college ball,” said Smith. “Coby got hot there in the second half and started filling it up.”
“The Hampton fans like to still follow them,” said Smith. “It was great to come out and watch them play.”
The Milligan Buffaloes won Wednesday’s matchup 100-80. However, that did not stop Jones from putting up big numbers during the game. Along with his 24 points, Jones was 6-of-9 from 3-point range while also pulling down five rebounds. Jones had one assist on the night which was to McClain who knocked down a deep jumper for his only points of the night.
Jones and McClain were not the only former Bulldogs on the court Wednesday night. On the sidelines for the Buffaloes were former Lady Bulldogs Tessa Stevenson (Milligan Cheer), Brooklyn Ashley (Milligan Dance), and Beth Hickman (Milligan Dance).
