Jillian Hayes

There was no potato salad, ants, or mosquitos inside Hilton Coliseum in Ames on Saturday, but regardless, a family reunion of sorts was held when the Cincinnati Bearcats visited Iowa State’s Cyclones in Big 12 Conference women’s basketball. That’s because Jillian Hayes, a senior forward for the Bearcats had 19 family members, primarily from Jefferson and nearby communities there to support her. Hayes told Raccoon Valley Radio this was the first time her Midwest relatives had gotten to watch her play collegiately in person, and she was very happy to have them there.  Greene County High School faculty member Kyle Kinne is Jillian’s uncle. He and his family were there, along with other relatives, and family friends of the Kinne’s.

Jillian’s Mother, Kristi Kinne Hayes is a 1991 Jefferson-Scranton graduate who played college basketball at Drake University. Kristi was the Missouri Valley Conference MVP as a senior and an Honorable Mention All-American. She’s married to Jonathon Hayes, a former Iowa Hawkeye football player and NFL tight end, who has coached the sport in college, the NFL, and in other pro leagues. Johnathan and Kristi’s oldest child, Jaxson, plays in the NBA for the Los Angeles Lakers.

ISU trailed 36-32 at halftime, but the Cyclones rallied for a 76-60 victory. Hayes is the leading scorer and rebounder for the 13-16 Bearcats. She had 11 points and three boards vs. the Cyclones, who improved to 18-10.