High School Hoopster Back After Heart Surgery
High School Hoopster Back After Heart Surgery Save Email Print
Central's Josh Jones preps for H.S. season and college career
Reporter: Rachel Pierce
Email Address: rachel.pierce@wowt.com

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From basketball star to heart patient and back again to the court, that's the journey a Central High School student has taken in recent months. Wednesday, Josh Jones, signed his letter of intent to play basketball for Creighton University.

It's a total reversal for the high school senior. On September 9th, Jones underwent open heart valve surgery for a bacterial infection. It shocked everyone.

"Ahhh, just a whole bunch of stuff just runs through your mind, what's going to happen to him, is he going to make it?" says mom Desiree Jones.

Josh did make it and then some. His doctor says in all his years, he's never been so impressed with a patient's speedy recovery.

"I was up walking within a day-and-a-half of me having surgery" says Josh, who has a large eight-inch scar to prove what he's been through.

"It matches my grandpa's scar," says Central basketball coach Eric Behrens.

"You know people who have had open heart surgery because of health problems later in life, very rarely do you see a scar like that on a 17-year-old kid."

Just two months after surgery, Jones is back at practice. He's almost to the level he was before the surgery.

"I'm impressed with my own self, I'm running full throttle in practice, conditioning is a little hard, everything's fine, I'm just looking forward to playing the first game," says Josh.

Recovery or not, Creighton promised to honor its offer. Josh was given a full ride to the university whether he played ball or not.

But before Josh leaves for Creighton, he says he has one more season to play at Central.

Josh plays his first game since the surgery on November 30th when the Eagles take on Millard West.

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Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 15, 2007 at 09:20 AM
A story made for tv. I am sure we will be hearing your name for years to come. Good luck on the upcoming season! With such an incredible story, I'm sure you will have an overwhelming fan base.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:53 PM
Creighton shows such strong integrity in honoring the scholarship it offered regardless if he could still play after the medical concerns. Thank-you Creighton for this example --

Posted by: BJ on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:21 PM
Josh, WOW, GO FOR IT!! Maybe you'll be a heart surgeon some day! Way to go man!Good luck!!Such an inspiring story.

Posted by: Pam on Nov 14, 2007 at 09:07 PM
Josh, I am so very happy that you have made it through this far. Good luck at your games, and to your future!!

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