TSI Player Spotlight: Hudson Jones the Rise of the Eagle Slayer

If you haven’t heard the name Hudson Jones yet, chances are you will very soon — especially if you’re an Austin Eagle fan. The Crothersville 7th grader is quickly building a reputation as the “Eagle Slayer,” and Wednesday night only added another chapter to an already growing legend.

Jones’ dominance against Austin isn’t new. Last summer, as just a 6th grader, he poured in 18 points to help the JV Tigers take down the Eagles. Fast forward to this week, and the results were even louder — and somehow even more impressive.

Double Duty. Double Trouble.

In a tough middle school doubleheader showdown, Jones played both the 7th grade and 8th grade games, and in each contest, he completely took over.

7th Grade Game: Lights Out Early

Matched up against one of the top 7th grade guards in the state — and his TSI teammate Kole White — Jones wasted no time making his presence felt. The 5’8” guard opened the game by drilling four deep 3-pointers from volleyball-line range in the first quarter alone.

Crothersville stormed out to a stunning 33–7 lead in the second quarter, and Jones had done more than enough damage. He finished the first half with 18 points, played briefly in the second half, and wrapped up his night with:

• 23 points

• 5 rebounds

• 5-for-7 from 3-point range

• Just over two quarters played

Final score: Crothersville 60, Austin 21.

And somehow… Jones was just getting started.

8th Grade Game: A Star Takes Over

The Eagles made adjustments. After seeing what Jones did from deep in the 7th grade game, Austin made it a priority to run him off the 3-point line and force him to attack off the bounce.

It didn’t matter.

Jones responded by torching the Eagles with mid-range jumpers and strong finishes at the rim, piling up 20 first-half points in a tight battle that saw Austin edge ahead 31–30 at halftime.

Then came the third quarter.

Jones flipped the switch and reminded everyone that range still matters — knocking down three extremely deep 3-point shots that were firmly in Steph Curry territory. He scored 12 points in the quarter, helping Crothersville grab a 50–46 lead heading into the fourth.

In the final period, Jones calmly closed the door:

• 6-for-7 from the free throw line

• A smooth mid-range jumper

• 8 more points

Final line in the 8th grade game:

• 40 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals, & 3 assists

• 66–57 Crothersville win

The Buzz Is Real

Hudson Jones is only a middle school player, but the buzz around Crothersville basketball is very real. Crowds are growing. Opponents are adjusting. And defenses are already learning that there’s no easy way to guard him.

As the younger brother of TSI high school standout Carter Jones, Hudson is carrying on — and elevating — a family name that is quickly becoming legendary in the Crothersville basketball community.

Middle school basketball doesn’t always draw this kind of attention, but Hudson Jones isn’t an ordinary middle school player.

And if you wish to be entertained, come out and watch him play. 🔥