The junior forward plays bigger than his 6-foot-1, 170-pound frame.

River Islands and Central Valley found out last week in losses at Dalben Center. Jones averaged 20 points and 16 rebounds, lifting the Lancers above the .500 mark at 6-5.

“‘Zo’ is phenomenal,” East Union coach Dutch Ell said. “He very much is the engine of our team. I have never seen a post player with the ferocity and motor like his. He is relentless on the boards, and will not be stopped by just one guy boxing out. He doesn’t even slightly hesitate in his perspective on match-ups. He takes zero plays off, and it rallies everyone.”

Jones was key in helping the Lancers pull away against River Islands’ fledgling varsity team (5-6). They led 35-20 at halftime, but the Riptide mounted a run to start the third quarter and stay in the fight. Jones answered with two big conventional three-point plays, including a coast-to-coast bucket after he pulled down a defensive rebound. Four of his 11 boards came off the offensive glass. He also had two steals and a blocks in his 19-point effort.

Two nights later, his physicality was tested by scrappy Central Valley (4-7). Jones did not back down, netting 21 points and 21 rebounds — 14 on the offensive end. East Union outscored the Hawks from Ceres 38-12 in the middle quarters to gain separation.

“I haven’t seen a 21-point, 21-rebound game in high school in a long time, and that’s a testament to his work ethic,” Ell said.

East Union is back in action this Friday for the first round of the 23rd annual Tom Welsh Holiday Classic at Head-Royce of Oakland. The Lancers will take on Gateway (5-4) from San Francisco starting at 4 p.m.