The Coaching Staff

 

 

Head Coach:  Brian Jones

Coach Jones beings his ninth season at the helm of the Rocket baseball program.  Prior to being the head coach of the Rockets, Jones was an assistant under Coach West Johnson for four seasons.  Jones began his coaching career with a one year stint at South Leake High School.  During his tenure at Neshoba he has established a high quality program that is respected around the state of Mississippi.  The work ethic instilled in his players both on the field and during offseason workouts has helped the Rockets close the baseball talent gap that had previously plagued Rocket programs of the past.  Coach Jones also has created a sense of respect for baseball players as they are held accountable for their actions both on and off the field of play.  These values instilled by Jones help these young men become successful members of the community in the future.  Jones is committed to developing the Rocket program into a powerhouse in the state of Mississippi.

 

On the field, Jones has led the Rockets to four consecutive playoff appearances climaxing in 2007 with a North Half Runner-up finish and a No. 6 final ranking.  Jones’ teams are highly competitive and are based on sound quality pitching and solid, fundamental defense.  Pride is emphasized on these values and the players have bought into this system.  Jones was selected to lead the District IV State Games of Mississippi team in both 2001 and 2006.  He also was selected as a 4A-5A Mississippi High School All-Star Coach in 2004.

 

Jones is a graduate of Neshoba Central High School.  He attended East Central Community College and played baseball for the late Jamie Clarke.  He then continued his baseball career at Belhaven College where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Psychology.  He also received a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Mississippi State University.

 

Coach Jones is married to the former Missy Smith of Philadelphia.  Missy is a graduate of Neshoba Central, East Central and Mississippi State University with a Masters degree from MSU in Educational Leadership.  She teaches first grade at Neshoba Central Elementary School.  The couple have been married since June of 1993 and have three children:  Tanner, 13; Tucker, 8; and Emma Leighton, 5.

 

Assistant Coach Lee Boyd

 

Coach Boyd is entering his 2^nd season as an assistant here at Neshoba Central and in his 4^th year overall.  Before joining the staff at Neshoba in 2007, Boyd was an assistant at Columbus High School where he helped lead the Falcons to a 16-10 record.  His first coaching experience came during a one-year stop as the head coach at Immanuel High School in Columbus Miss.

 

A native of Columbus, Coach Boyd attended New Hope High School where he was a three year starter for the Trojans.  After graduation, he began his collegiate career by signing with East Mississippi Community College.  During his freshman campaign, he was named 2^nd team All-Region.  After two seasons at EMCC, Boyd signed with the University of West Alabama.  As a junior, he was named 2^nd team All Gulf south Conference.  During his senior campaign, Boyd was named pre-season All -GSC  and helped lead the Tigers to a 45-19 mark, which is currently the most wins in school history.  The 2005 Tigers also won the GSC title and earned an appearance in the NCAA Division II Regional.  As a pitcher, Boyd finished his two year UWA career with an 11-2 record, which is good for 2^nd all time in career winning percentage.

 

Boyd earned a Bachelor’s degree in History Education from UWA in 2005 and a Master’s degree in Physical Education from UWA in 2008.  Boyd, 26, and his wife Allison were married in June of 2006.