WESSON -Calling it “a very good year for athletics,” BrookhavenAcademy headmaster John Gray greeted the audience gathered Mondaynight for the school’s basketball/baseball awards banquet. Speakingfrom the podium at the new Billy B. Thames Center located on theCopiah-Lincoln Community College campus, Gray congratulated theteams on their accomplishments.

“This is the best financial year in the history of our school,”said Gray. “We appreciate your involvement with the booster club.The gymnasium floor was retiled. The walls were painted and aschool crest placed on the wall.”

Brookhaven Academy hosted the Class AA State BasketballTournament in February and attracted large crowds. Ticket salesboosted the financial prosperity.

Gray missed the tournament due to illness. He underwent openheart surgery and a quintuple bypass. “Although I was unable towatch the tournament, I am still receiving compliments and lettersfrom schools who participated. You did a great job hosting thetournament.”

Brookhaven Academy’s girls won a second straight Class AA Statetitle and the boys were runners-up.

Gray said the school’s baseball program had made dramaticimprovement under the guidance of first-year head coach Ron Rushingand assistant coach Scott Leggett. “Coach Rushing and Coach Leggetthave done a super job. We have gone from last to first with ourbaseball field. I appreciate all the volunteers who helped make ithappen.”

School board president Phil Magee delivered the invocation priorto the buffet meal.

Beth Perkins recognized the junior high cheerleaders for theirefforts and varsity sponsor Karen Dunaway praised her cheerleadersfor their efforts.

Head coach Barry Gray and assistant coach Penny Mitchellpresented awards to members of his junior high and varsity girlsbasketball teams. The junior high Lady Cougars went 19-0 and wontheir fourth straight district championship.

“Looking back, I don’t believe the junior high has lost a homegame since 1997,” said Gray. “When you defend your home, that meansa lot.”

Gray’s varsity girls posted a 37-3 record and reached thesemifinals of Overall State. He recognized the five seniors whohave been instrumental in a 3-year record of 108 wins and 11losses.

“This team has character and they’re smart, too,” said Gray. Heand Mitchell presented the seniors with special gifts.

Alana Oster and Anna Gatlin received the Most Improved Awards.Laura Rogers was recognized as Permanent Team Captain. LindseyPhillips was named Best Rebounder.

Kristy Moak received the Best Defensive Player Award. Amy Smithand Katie Newman were recognized as Best Offensive Players. Smithhas been named to the Mississippi Private School Association’s TopTen 2000 Team.

Junior center Lindsay Altman was named Most Valuable Player.

Coach Dale Watts presented the boys basketball awards. Herecognized the junior high and varsity for their accomplishments.The junior high went undefeated and captured the junior hightournament while his varsity Cougars won the South State AATournament and finished second in state They advanced to thequarterfinals of the Overall and posted a 30-6 record in a majorrebuilding season.

“I want to thank the players and the parents for theircontributions to making our season a success,” said Watts. Herecognized assistant coach Cecil Trantham for his support.

Alan Copelan and Ben Davis received the Most Improved Awards.Tatum Trantham was named Permanent Team Captain. Kyle Williamsreceived the Team Spirit Award. Paul Coker was recognized as BestRebounder.

Turner Havard was named Best Offensive Player. Jake Sessums waschosen Best Defensive Player. Senior guard Chad Smith was namedMost Valuable Player. Smith was named to the MPSA All-StarTeam.

Coach Rushing thanked the numerous people who had helped improvethe baseball program. His Cougars finished 12-15, just short ofmaking the district playoffs, their best record in severalyears.

Named Permanent Team Captains were Andrew Johnson and TatumTrantham. Brandon Achord was named Most Improved. Best Sandiferreceived the Best Pitching Record Award. Ryan Nix received theHighest Batting Average Award and the MVP Award. Layne Moretonreceived the Golden Glove Award.

Named to the All-District Baseball Team were Ben Davis, JeffreyWaycaster and Nix.

High school principal Greg Whittier congratulated the athletesfor their achievements. “These young people know what is requiredto be excellent.”