By Charles Baynum//
Hood College junior guard Jevon Yarbrough has become one of the program’s most reliable offensive threats and vocal leaders, carrying a lifelong connection to the game that began in early childhood.
“I’ve had a basketball in my hands since I was born,” Yarbrough said. “I started playing in leagues when I was 5 years old.”
Yarbrough grew up in Hagerstown, Maryland, and attended Williamsport High School, where he set a school record by scoring 45 points in a championship game. When it came time to choose a college program, he said Hood was the clear fit.
“I chose Hood because I felt they fit my play style well,” he said. “There’s a lot of freedom for the guards. It’s also close to home, so having my family at the games was big for me.”
A junior combo guard, Yarbrough has gained attention for his scoring ability at all levels while also facilitating the offense.
“Scoring from anywhere on the court and creating shots for my teammates is what I’m best at,” he said.
His breakout performance came this season when he scored 32 points against then-No. 22 Catholic University, a game he described as his “coming out” moment. The effort helped him earn MAC Commonwealth Player of the Week honors.
Yarbrough serves as Hood’s primary ballhandler and one of the team captains. He said balancing both responsibilities requires constant communication and composure.
“My role is to run the offense, whether that’s scoring or creating an open shot for my teammate,” he said. “Being a vocal leader is important.”
Though confident in his scoring ability, Yarbrough said he has been focusing on improving his lateral quickness and rebounding.
“I’m a smaller guy, but being able to rebound as a guard is essential,” he said.
He credits his teammate, Karron Mallory, for supporting his development.
“He’s a great defender, so he makes me work to score tough buckets,” Yarbrough said. “Even when we’re on the same team, he still pushes me to be better.”
The Blazers have made significant progress in team chemistry this season, both on and off the court, according to Yarbrough.
“We all play as one rather than as individuals, which we struggled with in past years,” he said. “Off the court, we hang out a lot more and try to do a team bonding activity at least once a week.”
An integrated marketing communications major, Yarbrough said he was drawn to the creative aspects of the field.
“I really like the communications side of business rather than the numbers,” he said.
“Balancing coursework with basketball requires discipline,” he said.
“Knowing I’ll spend three to four hours a day on athletics means I have to plan my day ahead so I know when to study,” he said.
Yarbrough said his mother, who raised him as a single parent, is his biggest source of motivation.
“She worked really hard to make sure I had whatever I needed,” he said. “I feel like I owe it to her to work hard.”
On the court, his goals include winning the MAC championship — something Hood has not done since 2021 — and earning All-America honors. Long-term, Yarbrough hopes to keep playing after college.
“I really want to play professionally after Hood,” he said. “Whether that’s overseas or in a lower-level league in the U.S., I just want to keep hooping.”
With a growing résumé and a clear commitment to improvement, Yarbrough has positioned himself as a leader for Hood College and a player to watch in the MAC.
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