The South Umpqua basketball program is back on the map thanks in part to this talented three-year starter. Douglas County Sports Online is proud to shine the Athlete Spotlight on SU senior J.J. Jansen.

J.J. was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, but moved with his family to Canyonville when he was six years old. He played sports all year round before eventually settling on soccer and basketball. Jansen has twice received all-league honors in both sports, including a second-team selection last winter after leading the Lancers in scoring during his junior season.

"He's a kid that goes a hundred miles an hour," head coach Bob Feasel said. "Everytime J.J.'s on the floor, you know he's going to give you everything he's got."

This year, South Umpqua is picked to finish near the top of the Far West League standings. Two reasons for the high expectations are the senior tandem of Jansen and 6'7 post Kaden McFarland. Through the first half of the 2009-2010 season, J.J. leads the team in scoring (17.8 ppg) and three-point shots made (10).
 
"Our goal is to get the team into the postseason and go deep into the state playoffs," Jansen said. "If we play our best, then we can beat anybody."

J.J.'s high school career may be nearing an end, but local fans can expect to hear a lot more about his exploits on the basketball court in the upcoming years. He plans on attending college in-state and continuing his athletic career. 

"I would like to go to Western Oregon University in Monmouth and play basketball," Jansen said. "My goal is to become a special education teacher and high school basketball coach."