The senior duo of Mallory Nations and Landon Banes will represent Brookhaven Academy in the MAIS 5A State Tennis Tournament this week. The event will take place at Ridgeland Tennis Center and the pair of Cougars are set to play their first matches on Thursday.

Nations is competing in the No. 2 girls’ singles bracket after winning the 5A South State Tournament last week at Brookhill in Brookhaven. She’ll meet Adair Gaines of Pillow Academy (Greenville) in the first round of the state tourney on Thursday at 9 a.m.

BA head tennis coach Sydney Moak says Nations is on a strong run of playing her career best tennis.

“Mallory hasn’t dropped a set against any opponent this season and is undefeated in singles play,” said Moak. “The strongest part of her game is her consistency and shot placement. She’s a leader among her teammates and shows kindness to all of her opponents. I’ve loved seeing her game grow over the last seven years as a member of our team.”

Banes will play Holden Cooke of Bayou Academy (Cleveland) on Thursday at 10 a.m. in No. 1 boys’ singles bracket. Banes was runner-up in the 5A South State Tournament last week in Brookhaven.

Banes, like Nations, also played basketball during his time at BA. He’s committed to play tennis next year at Copiah-Lincoln CC.

“Landon is an excellent player that has excelled in our No.1 singles position this year,” said Moak. “His competitiveness, strong serve and shot selection are the strengths of his game. He always remains positive and steadfast in his pursuits on the court and he’s been an invaluable member of our team.”