MCCOMB, Miss. — A group of dedicated young athletes from McComb is bringing home major honors after an outstanding showing at the Fall Junior Tennis Team League Mississippi State Championship this past weekend. Representing Fit Life of McComb, two teams—Girls 18U and Boys 18U—traveled to compete, and their hard work paid off in a big way.
The Girls 18U team emerged as the overall state champions, claiming the top title in their division. The Boys 18U team also delivered an impressive performance, finishing as state runners-up.
These athletes have been playing together for more than two years, developing not only their skills on the court but also a remarkable bond built on teamwork, dedication, and a shared love of tennis.
Parklane Academy was well represented on the Fit Life roster. Four Parklane players—Anistyn Henderson, Lylian Melton, Peyton Stone, and Alvin Zhang—competed in the championship and contributed significantly to their teams’ success. Parklane officials and supporters say they could not be more proud of how these athletes have represented both their school and the McComb community.
The girls’ championship team included talented players from several area schools. Ady Locke, who plays for Co-Lin Community College, and Charlie Kate Garrett of North Pike added depth and experience, while Chloe Sterling of West Lincoln (committed to SMCC for this fall) rounded out the core lineup. Newcomer Kai Jenkins, from Southwest, proved to be a valuable addition during the fall season. Together, the girls delivered an exceptional performance and clinched the state title in decisive fashion.
The Boys 18U team was led by Parklane athletes Peyton Stone and Alvin Zhang, along with Cooper Smith of Brookhaven and Russell Watts of Bogue Chitto. The group’s chemistry—built over two years of competing side by side—played a key role in their run to the state finals.
Both teams emphasized how proud they are to represent Fit Life and their small hometown, proving once again that big things can come from small places. Their accomplishments mark an exciting milestone for junior tennis in McComb and an inspiring example of what dedication and teamwork can achieve.
A special thank you goes out to Coaches Dean Clower, and Robin for their unwavering commitment, countless hours of work, and determination to push these young athletes to be the very best they can be. Their leadership continues to shape not only strong tennis players, but confident and hardworking young people—something the entire community is grateful for.
