Natchez native Richard White and Brent Thomas of Austin, Texas make a good tennis team. So good that they decided to continue playing together into the summer.

White and Thomas, who both attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College, also play men’s doubles in tennis for the Wolfpack.

When White was looking for a partner to compete with him in this weekend’s AmSouth Natchez Cancer Tennis Tournament, he looked no farther than Thomas.

And while the pair were beaten in the second round by Charles Crump and Mickey Thornton 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, they still enjoyed being together one more time.

&uot;It really helps, I&160;think, to have somebody that I&160;know so well to play with when I’m playing somewhere other than school,&uot;&160;White said.

Thomas and White went to the state tournament with the Wolfpack at Jones Community College, and the tandem took the runners-up trophy home.

&uot;I&160;think we play real well together, and it just helps to know your partner, and know how he hits, and what he does in certain situations,&uot; White said.

White, who has only practiced twice since the state tournament, said he had no ideas about anyone in the Cancer Tournament.

&uot;I&160;hadn’t ever played against most of these people out here, and that kind of made me nervous, but it’s been okay so far,&uot; he said

White likened the competition in the Cancer Tournament to the level of competition at the junior college level.

&uot;I’ve seen a lot of good players out here,&uot;&160;he said. &uot;I’m just glad that I’m getting a chance to play. It’s a fun thing to do over the summer to kind of keep in shape.&uot;

White, who is also playing mixed doubles, said that he would rather play doubles.

&uot;It’s just a lot quicker of a pace in doubles, and I&160;think I’m a lot better doubles player than singles or mixed doubles player,&uot;&160;White said.

White also anticipates another good year at Co-Lin.

&uot;My first year was a really good one, and I&160;think next year might be even better,&uot;&160;he said.

&uot;I&160;think we can go all the way next year, and win state. We’ve got some good young players coming up, and we’ve got a guy coming in from Croatia, and he’s going to be awesome for us.&uot;