The Lincoln East senior survived a grueling, 2 1/2-hour match, winning a third-set tie breaker 7-5 to take a 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 victory against Ryan Floth of Millard South in the No. 1 singles final of the Class A State High School Boys' Tennis Tournament Friday on the indoor courts at Hanscom Park.

With the triumph, Jones capped a 28-0 season and became the first boy in Lincoln East history to win a No. 1 singles title. Jones, the No.1 singles state runner-up as a junior, was also an undefeated state champion as a sophomore at No. 1 doubles.

FOR THE fourth straight year, Jones was a member of the Class A state championship team. The Spartans scored 54 points and clinched the team title after the semifinals, which were played at Dewey Park. The tournament was moved indoors because of cool temperatures and the threat of rain.

Millard South was a distant second with 38 points. Only two other schools have won more consecutive state titles- Omaha North (1962-66) and Creighton Prep (1948-52) won five straight. "I'll take it," Jones said as he reflected on his and the team's accomplishments. "I love it." And so did his coach, Jeff Hoham, who has directed the Spartans to all four titles.

"This is the most dominant team in East High tennis history," Hoham said. "This is my proudest moment of coaching. I wanted Mark to win (NO.1 singles) more than anything. He's a perfect gentlemen and exemplifies our program." EAST HAD FINALISTS in all four divisions. Juniors Matt Roth and Jeremy Sand won NO. 2 doubles with a 6-1, 6-2 win against Kyle McCormick and Jason Boyd of Kearney.