By Charles Baynum\/\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hood College junior guard Jevon Yarbrough has become one of the program\u2019s most reliable offensive threats and vocal leaders, carrying a lifelong connection to the game that began in early childhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had a basketball in my hands since I was born,\u201d Yarbrough said. \u201cI started playing in leagues when I was 5 years old.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI chose Hood because I felt they fit my play style well,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of freedom for the guards. It\u2019s also close to home, so having my family at the games was big for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A junior combo guard, Yarbrough has gained attention for his scoring ability at all levels while also facilitating the offense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cScoring from anywhere on the court and creating shots for my teammates is what I\u2019m best at,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His breakout performance came this season when he scored 32 points against then-No. 22 Catholic University, a game he described as his \u201ccoming out\u201d moment. The effort helped him earn MAC Commonwealth Player of the Week honors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yarbrough serves as Hood\u2019s primary ballhandler and one of the team captains. He said balancing both responsibilities requires constant communication and composure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy role is to run the offense, whether that\u2019s scoring or creating an open shot for my teammate,\u201d he said. \u201cBeing a vocal leader is important.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though confident in his scoring ability, Yarbrough said he has been focusing on improving his lateral quickness and rebounding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m a smaller guy, but being able to rebound as a guard is essential,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He credits his teammate, Karron Mallory, for supporting his development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a great defender, so he makes me work to score tough buckets,\u201d Yarbrough said. \u201cEven when we\u2019re on the same team, he still pushes me to be better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Blazers have made significant progress in team chemistry this season, both on and off the court, according to Yarbrough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe all play as one rather than as individuals, which we struggled with in past years,\u201d he said. \u201cOff the court, we hang out a lot more and try to do a team bonding activity at least once a week.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An integrated marketing communications major, Yarbrough said he was drawn to the creative aspects of the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI really like the communications side of business rather than the numbers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Balancing coursework with basketball requires discipline,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKnowing I\u2019ll spend three to four hours a day on athletics means I have to plan my day ahead so I know when to study,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yarbrough said his mother, who raised him as a single parent, is his biggest source of motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe worked really hard to make sure I had whatever I needed,\u201d he said. \u201cI feel like I owe it to her to work hard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the court, his goals include winning the MAC championship \u2014 something Hood has not done since 2021 \u2014 and earning All-America honors. Long-term, Yarbrough hopes to keep playing after college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI really want to play professionally after Hood,\u201d he said. \u201cWhether that\u2019s overseas or in a lower-level league in the U.S., I just want to keep hooping.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a growing r\u00e9sum\u00e9 and a clear commitment to improvement, Yarbrough has positioned himself as a leader for Hood College and a player to watch in the MAC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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