ELLISVILLE – Jones College has been at the top of the mountain in MACCC basketball for the past two seasons.
The Bobcats have won consecutive conference and region championships and have two straight appearances in the NJCAA Division I Tournament. Jones went 30-4 last year and 27-7 two seasons ago.
Fifth-year head coach
Newton Mealer is looking forward to another successful season.
"We're very excited about the upcoming season," he said. "As a staff, we feel we've recruited extremely well and brought in a group that really fits our program's identity. While we did lose several players to the Division I level, we're confident in the talent and character of this team. They're skilled, they can really shoot the basketball and most importantly, they take pride in defending."
The Bobcats, ranked No. 6 in the NJCAA DI preseason poll, return only one player off last year's team.
Jay Tyler (Glen Allan) is a 6-foot sophomore guard, who averaged 3.8 points in just over 10 minutes per game last year.
"Jay will be the leader of this year's team," Mealer said. "His character and work ethic are second to none. He was part of last year's 30–4 team and played valuable minutes during that run. Jay brings toughness and poise to the point guard position — he's truly an extension of our coaching staff on the floor. We expect his role to increase on the offensive end this season and we believe he'll be one of the top players in the MACCC."
The other 13 players on the roster are all newcomers and Mealer is pleased with the way they have prepared for the upcoming season.
"We are excited to welcome a talented group of new players to the program — a mix of top recruits from across the state and around the country who bring athleticism, skill and winning experience to the roster," he said.
Dylan Rowe (Madison Central), is a 6-foot-4 freshman guard who will be one of the top players on the roster, along with
Braylon Barnes (Brandon), another 6-foot-4 freshman guard.
"Dylan is a dynamic guard known for his athleticism and playmaking ability," Mealer said. "He is a tough, physical competitor and will be counted on to help keep the Bobcats in the winning column this season.
"Braylon is the 7A Player of the Year in Mississippi and adds length, toughness and a deep shooting range to the lineup. His versatility and scoring touch will make an immediate impact."
Wesley Lindsey (Central Hinds Academy), a 6-foot-7 freshman forward who originally signed with Southern Miss,
Bob Dickson (Southaven), a 6-foot-7 freshman forward, and
Keron Jackson (Memphis), another 6-foot-7 freshman forward, bring size and strength to the team.
"Wesley brings experience and versatility to the frontcourt," Mealer said. "At 6-7, he's a tough matchup on both ends — able to stretch the floor with his shooting and attack the rim with authority. His rebounding ability makes him a key contributor in the paint. Dickson anchors the center position. He is one of the most skilled big men I have coached. He combines quick feet, strong hands and a polished post-game to be a force inside.
"Keron, one of Tennessee's top-ranked players, has a reputation for toughness, skill and offensive versatility. His game fits perfectly into our system at Jones."
Caleb Hunt (Olive Branch), a 6-foot sophomore guard transfer from Northwest Mississippi,
Derek Hollman Jr. (Tyler, Texas), a 6-foot-9 center, and
Brooks Roberts (Presbyterian Christian School), a 6-foot-2 freshman guard, will also be key contributors.
"Caleb is a transfer point guard from Northwest and brings a defensive mindset, relentless hustle and a will to win to our team," Mealer said. "His leadership and energy will help set the tone for us this season. Derek will be a defensive presence in the paint. His ability to block shots and defend multiple positions will be a key asset for us.
"Brooks adds another offensive threat to the roster. With deep shooting range, great pace and a competitive mindset, he will be a valuable piece of this year's squad."
Rounding out the roster will be
Malachi Cowan (Brooklyn, N.Y.), a 6-foot-7 freshman guard/forward;
Jadyn Garrett (Raymond), a 6-foot freshman guard;
Quey'Sean Taylor (Pascagoula), a 6-foot-4 freshman forward;
Kris Carroll (Memphis), a 6-foot-5 freshman guard/forward; and
Riley Walton (Presbyterian Christian School), a 6-foot-6 freshman forward.
Mealer believes in his roster and says he was impressed with the players throughout the recruiting process.
"When I recruit young men, I talk to them about the opportunity that's in front of them," he said. "It's no secret that over the last few years, we've been a dominant program in this league and across the country. I've challenged this year's team to embrace the challenge and continue to uphold the tradition of excellence we've built here at Jones.
"I don't view success as pressure — we've created this standard ourselves. Our job as coaches is to focus on the team in front of us and help them reach their full potential. Every young man in this program understands the championship mentality that comes with wearing a Jones uniform. We're not only playing for each other, but also for the players who came before us and helped build this legacy."
In preseason jamborees, the Bobcats have been impressive. They went 3-0 in the Corry Black Classic Jamboree in Suwanee, Ga., and 4-0 in the Mullen/Mitchell Jamboree in Dallas, Texas, vs. some of the nation's top teams.
"This team has already shown, in a short amount of time, that they can compete with anyone," Mealer said "We enter the season ranked No. 6 in the country and No. 1 in the MACCC, and in my opinion, that level of expectation comes with the territory. We know we'll be everyone's championship game and we talk about that often. It can be tough for young players to grasp, but our staff works hard to keep them focused, humble and hungry.
"This is an incredible group and I'm excited to compete with them this season. The standard is high — and always will be — the standard at Jones."
Jones will play a difficult non-conference schedule, including games with perennial powers Gulf Coast State, Chipola (Fla.), Tallahassee and Northwest Florida.
"Scheduling is one of the most important parts of what I do as a coach," Mealer said. "I always try to look at the big picture. To compete on a national level, you must play — and beat — the best teams in the country. My goal each year is to give our team the opportunity to be nationally ranked and in position to earn an automatic bid to the national tournament.
"We have a young team and I believe the best way to prepare them for conference play is to expose them to top competition early. That means not just playing strong opponents but often facing them on the road. I truly believe that kind of experience builds toughness and confidence.
"This year, we've put together a very competitive home and away schedule — one that I believe ranks among the toughest non-conference slates in the country. It's the type of schedule that challenges our players, sharpens our edge and prepares us for the battles that matter most down the stretch."
In the MACCC, Mealer points to several teams that will provide a challenge.
"This season, I think our biggest competition will come from Itawamba, Northeast and East Mississippi," he said. "All three programs return several key players from last year's teams. That said, when the bullseye is on your back, every game becomes a battle.
"We know that every opponent is going to bring their best effort when they face Jones. That's the price of success and it's a challenge we embrace every single game."
Mealer will be assisted by
Tim Walsh,
Sam Wiseman and volunteer assistant
Jonathan Lucas this season.
"Coach Walsh brings a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to the Bobcats," Mealer said. "He oversees our defensive system and does an outstanding job with it. He's one of the most respected coaches in the nation and I consider myself very fortunate to have him working alongside me here at Jones. Coach Wiseman returns to the staff this season and continues to provide outstanding leadership for our program. Sam oversees player development, academics and several key areas within our team. He's a players' coach who connects deeply with our guys and has played a major role in elevating this program.
"Coach Lucas brings a great blend of knowledge and playing experience. Jonathan recently finished his collegiate career at Belhaven University and will contribute to player development and the day-to-day logistics of our program.
"The best compliment I can give these coaches is that they are men of high character who genuinely love our players. They build lasting relationships and always put Jones College first. I couldn't ask for a better group to work with."
Mealer has enjoyed tremendous success with the Bobcats. He has compiled a 91-30 record in four seasons, including a perfect 18-0 mark at home in A.B. Howard Gymnasium in 2024-25.
He is excited to be a part of the Bobcat family.
"I have been truly blessed to be here at Jones," Mealer said. "God has provided me with this opportunity and has helped me exceed my expectations. Jones is a special place with high standards and a proud winning tradition. I take my job seriously and always strive to give my best to this program.
"I am excited to lead another season with this group of incredible players and dedicated staff and I look forward to competing at the highest level while continuing to build on the legacy of the Jones College basketball program."
The Bobcats open the season Oct. 31 at ASU Mid-South. The first home game will be at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 vs. South Arkansas College.
