PERKINSTON – The sophomore doubles team of Braxton Hinton of Brookhaven and Drake Nelson of Monticello capped off their undefeated season by capturing the state title at No. 3 doubles at the MACJC State Tennis Tournament held on the campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinston. As a team, they finished in fourth place with a 10-2 record and ranked No. 20 by the ITA.

“We had such a good regular season to fall short of the National Tournament by 2 points,” said Co-Lin Men’s Tennis Coach Brenda Smith. “That should prove to be strong incentive for improvement for next season. I’m so proud of Drake and Braxton for their State Championship and how well Mateusz played.”

The pair worked their way through Hinds Community College in the quarterfinals with a 6-3, 6-0 win. In the semis, they defeated Meridian 6-3, 7-5. The duo defeated Brett Bowen and Chris Diep of MGCCC 6-1, 6-1 for the state title. The final point of the championship match epitomized this doubles team, a scrambling save by Nelson, followed by a volley winner from Hinton.

Though Nelson and Hinton were the only state champions, many other Wolves had success on the court throughout the multi-day event. Mateusz Kimelski, No. 28 ITA player and No. 1 Co-Lin singles player, showed tremendous skill, fitness, tactic, and class throughout the tournament before he dropped the championship match to Meridian’s Jason Pimenta 6-1, 6-4. Kimelski battled through Mark Robbins of ICC in the quarterfinals, and defeated Daniel Yepez in a three set marathon match in the semis that lasted over three and a half hours. Matt won those matches, 6-1, 6-1 and 6-1, 6-7, 7-6 respectively.

Nelson also competed in the state finals in the No. 5 singles position. He dominated his competition on the way to the finals, defeating Zaen Harbin of Northwest 6-0, 6-1 in the quarterfinals, and defeating Chris Diep of Gulf Coast 6-2, 6-2 in the semis. Nelson lost in the championship match to Will Irvin of Meridian 6-1, 7-5.

Hinton competed in the No. 3 singles draw. Hinton defeated Jacob Bozeman of ICC in the quarterfinals 6-3, 1-6, 10-8. Hinton battled back in the third set tiebreaker when he was down 4-8, but he found a way to win with hustle and determination. Hinton had to retire from the semifinals match against Noah James of Meridian late in the third set tiebreaker. Hinton experienced full body cramps that forced the Wolf off the court. The final score was 7-5, 5-7, 6-6.

Hayes Thompson also competed in the semifinals match in the No. 4 singles position. Thompson defeated Payton Pearce of Northeast 6-3, 6-0 in the quarterfinals and lost to Samuel Butler of Meridian 6-0, 6-3 in the semis.

Cory Alderman played No. 6 singles for the Wolves. Alderman walked through the quarterfinal round against Nathan Cleveland of Northeast 6-1, 6-0. Alderman dropped his match versus Walt Harrington of Meridian in a close battle, 6-7, 6-7.

Smith looks toward another good team next year with experience gained from this season combined with a strong group of incoming freshmen.