By Joe Joe Wright

joejoe.wright@cordeledispatch.com

From his days as a standout shortstop for the Cougars. Will Jones has never disappointed the fans. When a big hit or play was needed Will Joes provided it. Not much has changed since Will went off to college he is still putting on a show at the collegiate level. Jones signed with and played two years at Middle Georgia College in Cochran before moving onto Lander University to finish his career. So far in 2016 Jones is leading his team as a pitcher with a 10-2 record, 102 strikeouts, 105 innings pitched with the least amount of appearances 17. Jones has been the go to guy for the Bearcats this year.

This coaching philosophy has paid off well since Jones has garnered two MVP awards in the playoffs. As of May 29^th the Bearcats record stands at 43-14 and they face Nova Southeastern in round 2 of the NCAA Division II Baseball Championships on Tuesday the 31^st at 5:00pm. Jones joins a host of former Cougars who are enjoying a great season in 2016. Robert Tyler, Davis Adkins, Taylor Walls and Witt Campbell are all having stellar years.

In a game that took several dramatic twists and turns in the final two innings, the NCAA Southeast Regional Most Valuable Player Will Jones came up big again for the Lander Bearcats. Jones delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth as Lander outlasted the University of Central Missouri Mules 4-3 in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Baseball National Championships. Jones a senior is the son of Ricky and Patricia Jones of Cordele.