The last hoorah for the senior at the Wrentham Developmental Center included donning red and black Nike spikes while sporting Under Armour beneath his track ensemble to try to mix things up.

It worked.

Jones cruised to first place at yesterday’s 34th Mass State Coaches Invitational in 15 minutes, 30.2 seconds, despite a typical runners’ wardrobe malfunction.

“I couldn’t really kick today, because a mile out my shoe came untied,’’ said Jones, who placed first in the CMass championship meet last year.

“I couldn’t really kick as much as I wanted to, to test that out.’’

Jones described himself as more of a miler but was able to gain confidence heading into the next couple of weeks with this strong showing.

“I wanted to test my merit before the district state meet, especially at the regionals,’’ he said. “I wanted to know that if the pace goes that hard, I’m able to hold it.’’

The Rangers team can pull some confidence from this meet as well. Jones finished just ahead of teammate Jeff Bush (15:42) and Westboro sophomore Brendon Robertson was eighth in 16:27.1.

Jones still hopes to improve on his 11th-place finish in last year’s state meet in two weeks.

“I don’t want to lose,’’ Jones said. “I don’t plan on losing.’’

Division 1 sophomores: Kevin Thomas of Marshfield won in 16:30.5, edging teammate Joel Hubbard (16:30.8). Aaron Anderstrom of Tantasqua placed third in 16:43.

Division 2 juniors & seniors: Although Nathan Larrimer originally went out with the pack, the Seekonk junior pulled away to finish in 16:29.7.

“It was a great mental and physical race,’’ said Larrimer, who sat out this meet last year. Junior Willia Harrington of Bishop Fenwick placed second in 16:32.1, and Medfield junior Joe Smith was third in 16:33.9.

Division 2 sophomores: Although Dan Walsh had a commanding lead during his race, the Sutton sophomore never let up.

“I always try to make believe somebody’s behind me just to push myself,’’ he said.

Walsh said he feels stronger this season. He won the 3K state coaches meet as a freshman, but this year ran a personal best 16:26 in the 5k.

“I felt pretty good,’’ Walsh said modestly. “I hadn’t had a race in a couple weeks, so I felt like I had a lot of energy.’’

David Allen of Sandwich was second in 16:38.1 and Bromfield’s Ellis Toll third in 16:57.2.