FOREST – Mitchell Smith shot an opening round 78 to pace the Jones County Junior College Bobcats in the opening round of the East Central Community College Invitational here Saturday at Forest Country Club.

Smith, a freshman from Simpson Academy, shot a 36 on the front nine and a 42 on the back nine.

West Jones sophomore Nick Keyes posted a 79, while Sumrall sophomore Ben Whitehead shot an 83. Mize freshman Chase Powell had an 89, Clarkdale freshman Clarke Boatner had a 92 and South Jones freshman Rocky Purvis posted a 100.

JCJC leads the Division III side of the standings with a 329, while Southwest is second at 378.

Gulf Coast holds the overall team lead with a 296, while Hinds is at 298, Northeast is at 301 and Co-Lin is at 302.

Co-Lin’s Ryan Ratcliff leads the individual scores with a 2-under par 69. Grant Goforth of Northwest is at 71 and Jordan Jamar of East Mississippi shot a 72.

The tournament will conclude Sunday afternoon.