Jones draws inspiration from a familiar source; his grandfather

Inspiration and influence come in many different forms and from many different places.
For Ville Platte High head coach Tommy Jones, that influence came from one man in particular, his grandfather Coach Curley Dossman. Despite his death this past year, Jones still gets inspiration from the man he admired all of his life.
“I tried to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps as much as I can,” stated Jones. “Being a coach and a principal, he was able to teach me some valuable lessons, especially when I did not want to hear them. Whether we won or loss, after every game he would always have something to say about the game. Funny thing was he was always right. He taught me how to deal with the players and how to treat them. He would make me understand that kids will be kids and that patience is important as a coach.”
That inspiration and influence must have been seeped in somewhere because Jones has taken that philosophy and turned it into wins. Since taking over the Bulldogs seven years ago, Jones has garnered an overall record of 128-69 (not including playoffs).
This past season Ville Platte blew past just about every opponent on their schedule, gathering an overall record of 27-4 and securing a spot in the Class 2A semi-finals. Because of their success this year, Jones has been named as the Coach of the Year for Evangeline Parish.
“We just want the culture of the program to stay on the right track,” said Jones. “We want to make sure the players do the right thing on and off the court, especially in the classroom.”
“Ever since I can remember, Ville Platte High has always won in basketball and we definitely want to make sure that continues,” Jones continued. “Our philosophy is that it is more important to produce great men that will leave here and become great fathers and great people.”
Even with the success Jones has had as a head coach at his alma mater, the trip to the semi-finals this past year was the first for Jones. So when asked about what set this particular team apart from the teams he has coached in the past, Jones was quick to point out one important factor.
“This group of players truly love the game of basketball,” commented Jones. “The day after the semi-final game, they were in the gym shooting. It makes my job easier when your players love the game. They are also great friends off the court. It is not often you do not find them at each other’s house playing video games and just hanging out. They kind of grew up together and have a strong brotherhood.”
Jones knows that with everyone coming back next season, with the exception of one senior, the Bulldogs look like a team to beat once again.
“We feel confident about next year,” said Jones. “I know our players are ready to mix it up once again.”