Colonial Forge Girls Basketball 2025 Winter Season Recap: Coach Marquel Jones Reflects on a Promising Year of Growth and Grit
As the 2025 winter sports season comes to a close, the Colonial Forge Girls Basketball program has plenty to be proud of—and even more to look forward to. Under the leadership of Head Coach Marquel Jones, the team navigated a season filled with challenges, development, and standout performances. With a young but hungry roster, the Eagles not only held their own in a competitive field but also emerged as the No. 1-ranked team in the area and advanced to the second round of regional playoffs.
Coach Jones sat down with us to reflect on a season that proved to be both formative and inspirational.
A True Team Effort: Key Contributors and Role Acceptance
In a sport where success often hinges on standout individual performances, the Colonial Forge team stood out for its collective effort. “Our key contributors were truly everyone,” Coach Jones shared. “The players bought into our system and played their roles so we could compete against skilled veteran teams—even though we were fairly young.”
Among the leaders was Yana, the team’s primary ball handler, who impressed with her high basketball IQ and calm leadership on the court. Freshmen Syd and Raegan also made their mark early with athleticism and defensive intensity, showing that age is just a number when talent and work ethic align.
Each player understood her role and executed it, a testament to a program that prioritizes cohesion over ego. This team-first mentality allowed Colonial Forge to be competitive, even against more experienced and decorated programs.
A Season of Progress and Growth
For Coach Jones, the 2025 season was a success not only in terms of wins and postseason advancement but in how the team grew. “I thought, for having such a new and young team, we did really good,” she reflected. “We had some disconnects through the journey, but we were still able to fulfill goals.”
Those goals included claiming the top spot in the area rankings and making a competitive playoff push. The Eagles reached the second round of regionals, falling just short in a game that was well within their grasp. That near miss didn’t dampen the season’s success—it fueled future ambition.
A Painful Start That Sparked Change
Every good season has a defining moment, and for Colonial Forge, it came right out of the gate. The team’s first games were part of a tournament featuring programs with multiple state championships and players bound for elite college and WNBA careers.
“It was a bit painful to have to start your season like that,” Coach Jones admitted. “But it put a taste in the players' mouths to work harder and buy in so we would never get blown out again for the remainder of the season.”
That lesson resonated. From then on, Colonial Forge became a team known for its fight. The early sting of defeat planted a seed that grew into grit and determination.
Emerging Players Stepping into the Spotlight
As the season wore on, several players evolved into key pieces of the puzzle. Marin transitioned from a starter into a dynamic spark off the bench, embracing her new role and bringing energy in pivotal moments. Noni, though undersized, competed fearlessly against bigger opponents, proving that heart and hustle can close any height gap.
Raegan, one of the talented freshmen, developed into the team’s leading rebounder, complementing her already impressive scoring ability. These shifts reflected both the coaching staff’s ability to adapt and the players’ willingness to grow for the good of the team.
Meeting Challenges Head-On
With a young roster, learning curves were inevitable, especially in pressure situations and tough losses. “It was challenging for a young team who didn’t always understand my ‘whys,’” Coach Jones explained.
Those moments called for vulnerability and honest conversations. “We had many heart-to-hearts,” she said. “I reminded them that even if they couldn’t see my vision at the time, they needed to trust it—and know it would lead to success.”
This open line of communication became a strength of the team and laid the foundation for mutual respect and unity.
Senior Leadership: Voices of Reason and Connection
This year’s senior class brought more than just on-court contributions—they were culture-builders. “They were the voice of reason when needed,” Coach Jones said. “They were authentically close with the underclassmen, which made our team chemistry strong for the most part.”
The seniors’ ability to lead while still connecting with younger teammates helped keep the locker room tight and the team aligned, no small feat for a group filled with underclassmen in prominent roles.
J’Maia Joseph, as a senior leader, we relied on both on and off the court. Very skilled starter that I only subbed out for foul trouble because of what she brought to the game, whether she played well or not.
Defensive player Anya Woods was pivotal on the defensive side for us, primarily. Any guard I needed to go against and feel pressure, she never backed down from that responsibility, which is something that’s not easy to come by in high school in terms of a kid that loves defense first.
The Future Looks Bright
Looking ahead, Coach Jones is energized by what lies ahead. With nearly all of her roster returning, there is a clear sense that this season was only the beginning.
“I’m excited to get players back and make something grand in our season out of what we have,” she said. “We’re building off of this past season’s success. I’m excited to get more college looks for our returning girls and make it an even better season.”
This evolution isn't just about improving records—it's about creating opportunities, developing leadership, and laying a foundation for a program that can sustain excellence year after year.
Offseason Goals: Sharpening Skills and Strengthening Bonds
For the upcoming offseason, Coach Jones has her sights set on refining both the technical and emotional aspects of the program. “I hope that the imperfections of each and every one of us become strengths this coming season,” she said.
She’s aiming to raise the team’s basketball IQ, execute sets with greater precision, and build even stronger relationships with her players. “I’m looking forward to healthier relationships where they trust me even more,” she added.
Trust, after all, is a two-way street—and Jones is committed to fostering it on every level.
Tracking the Team
For fans and followers wanting to dig deeper into Colonial Forge’s season stats, Coach Jones noted that data is available on HUDL and MaxPreps, with plans to update the team’s website before the next season begins.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season for Colonial Forge Girls Basketball was a season of breakthroughs, marked by the growth of young talent, the resilience of a unified team, and the steady guidance of a coach committed to both player development and personal connection.
From the sting of opening losses to the pride of a postseason push, the Eagles embodied the kind of journey that doesn’t just build better players—it builds better people. With a strong core returning, a visionary coach at the helm, and unfinished business on the horizon, the future is bright in Colonial Forge.
As Coach Marquel Jones and her team take a brief breath before preparing for next season, one thing is clear: this is a program on the rise, and their story is just getting started.
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