Jones College Men’s Tennis Eyes Return to Championship Contention

ELLISVILLE — Jones College’s men’s tennis team expects to contend for championships again this spring, following a successful 2025 season that saw the team win a conference, regional, and individual national title, according to coach Brooks Buffington.

Now in his 10th year, Buffington said the team faces some challenges, including visa issues, but was able to add a third international player. He believes those additions will help the Bobcats compete for their fifth straight MACCC title and a top-five finish at the NJCAA national tournament, especially with Division II returning to the national scene.

Last season, Jones finished with a 19-5 record and claimed its fourth consecutive MACCC and second straight Region 23 titles. Matias Ruiz became the first Mississippi player to win a national tennis title, claiming the No. 1 singles crown at the NJCAA Division I Tournament in Florence, South Carolina. The team also finished 12th in the national tournament for the second consecutive year.

Buffington said five players from last season’s roster return, including sophomores Tom Garrett of Australia, Ridge Jones of Northeast Jones, Ryan Roth of Resurrection Catholic, Reese Touchet of Madison Central, and Luke Westmoreland of Grenada. He praised their contributions and work ethic, highlighting Garrett’s regional clinch, Jones’s competitiveness, and Roth’s athleticism.

The team’s new recruits include Juan Francisco Pereyra of Argentina, Felipe Morales of Ecuador, Crews Cockrell of West Jones, and Nicholas Marengo of Forrest County AHS. Buffington described Pereyra as a talented shot-maker with high expectations, Morales as a grinder, and Cockrell as one of the most improved players in fall practice. Marengo is viewed as a promising addition who missed tennis last semester but is eager to improve.

Buffington credited the team’s success to the quality and dedication of its players, noting that every year brings in talented, hardworking individuals who enjoy competing and supporting each other. He anticipates a tough challenge from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College this season, citing their strong lineup and regional rivals.

The Bobcats will open their season at home on Jan. 29 against Bevill State. The MACCC region tournament is scheduled for April 16-18, with the national tournament set for May 11-15 in Plano, Texas.

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