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“Our young men realize that this is not high school,” he said. “Other than Tymell Blue, who’s probably our best player, we really didn’t have anyone who had experience playing college basketball and all that entails. “Obviously, as a competitor, I’d love to be undefeated right now. But we played a very tough schedule. I’ll put our schedule up against anybody in America. The bumps and bruises we’re taking right now will prepare us to be able to hand out some bumps and bruises down the line.” As a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Region X, both teams have faced nationally ranked opponents this season. The women played at club level this past season, but will be a full NJCAA member next year in Region X’s Division II. That means that the team will be able to offer scholarships. The men played in Division III, which is the non-scholarship level. Arnold says that the team will play in that division again next winter with an eye on moving up to Division II for the 2018-2019 season. Although the school plans to hire a new women’s basketball coach in the coming weeks, Jones is excited about the program’s future and its commitment to producing good basketball players — and even better people. “That’s our main goal here,” he said. “It’s creating students and citizens that are going to be productive in society. Basketball and athletics are a vehicle to getting an education, and we want to be able to provide you with something when you leave us that’s going to be with you the rest of your life.” Johnson will welcome back Kisheem Faison (Goldsboro High) and Loris Lawson (Raleigh Wakefield), among others, to next year’s team. And after having only eight players on his first roster, he’s already on the lookout for the next class of Jaguars. “First, if you come to JCC, you’re going to get a great education,” he said. “Second, we’re going to play an exciting brand of basketball that will prepare you to play at the four-year level. I always heard Skip Prosser, former Wake Forest coach, say that you have to recruit like a spider web. You start in, and then you work your way out. In order to be successful, you’ve got to win at home. “We want to win what we call ‘Jaguar Nation,’ which is Johnston County, Harnett County, Wilson, Wayne and then work out from there. And with me being from Fayetteville and having those connections, we’re going to recruit that area pretty hard.” The team played its home games at the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center (SRAC) and held practices at Johnston County schools. Deacon Jones Auto Group has also been generous in its support for the school. It’s that sort of community partnership that Arnold believes will help the programs flourish. “We’re just really excited about the future of what we’re creating here at JCC,” Arnold said. “We reached out to the community and they’ve done a good job with us, bringing us on board and embracing us as we embark on this journey of increasing and improving our athletics here at JCC. “We want to be the melting pot for the community. When we have a basketball game or an activity, come on out and support us.” For more information, log on to www. jccjaguarpride.com. LAWN MAINTENANCE & SPRING YARD CLEAN-UP FREE ESTIMATE! CALL TODAY! 919.796.4415 doublealandscaping.com 28 | JOHNSTON NOW » Hearing loss, » The latest technology & styles »30 day FREE trial »Fair & competitive pricing »Complete hearing healthcare plan LISTEN tinnitus, & auditory processing disorders A Family-Owned practice helping those with hearing loss, young & old, continue to enjoy life and social activities � High Point AUDIOLOGICAL Helping You Hear The Sounds Of Life Again 922 Hwy 42 West • Clayton 919.241.7734 hpaudiological.com