COVINGTON, Ga. — Andrew Jones' dream of playing for a college basketball program was realized Thursday afternoon.

The Covington Academy senior was surrounded by family, friends and former coaches as he signed a scholarship to continue his academic and athletic career at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Ga..

“It means a lot,” Jones said. “I’ve worked for this since I was, like, 4 years old, so just to live out my dream and be able to play college ball is a blessing.”

Jones has been a stalwart in the Bulldogs basketball program for the past seven years. 

He helped lead Covington Academy’s middle school program to a region championship before taking his talents to the varsity level, where he won two more region titles and culminated his prep career with the 2020-21 GAPPS Division I-A state championship this winter.

“The biggest thing with Andrew is just his heart, his love for the game and his drive,” Covington Academy Athletic Director Travis Price said. “He’s not always the best player on the floor, but he pushes his team to be better with his love for the game. That’s what’s exciting about getting to see him do it at the next level.”

Reflecting on his time with the Bulldogs, Jones lauded the program for the developmental figures who have positively impacted his career.

“I’ve cherished a lot of memories with a bunch of friends and all my coaches,” he said. “This basketball program is really good. To be able to win a state championship my last year is pretty great too. This has just been amazing.”