Brookhaven Academy’s massive rebuilding campaign became aCinderella story. Coach Barry Gray had to replace six seniors fromthe previous season’s state basketball tournament runner-up squadand optimism was guarded at best.

Gray’s young squad responded with a tremendous campaign,climaxed by beating Marvell (Ark.) in the finals and winning theClass AA State Tournament championship at Canton Academy. The LadyCougars finished 34-4 and lost to powerful Greenwood Pillow in thequarterfinals of the MPSA Overall Tournament.

For his team’s accomplishments, Gray has been named The DailyLeader’s Coach of the Year on the All-Lincoln County GirlsTeam.

For Gray, 39, winning state championships and accolades arenothing new. This was his third state title in four years.

“I’ve had more talented teams but this team really reached itspotential,” said Gray. “The sum was greater than the parts. Eachplayer was willing to give of themselves to make a winning team.They worked hard and got along really well together, too.”

Gray had three seniors on this seasons team: Ancy Myers, LeahDavis and Jacquelyn Berry. They led the way for a talented group ofunderclassmen. Gray usually started two freshman guards in LaurenSmith and Kelli Byrd, plus junior center Anna Gatlin.

Gray and his young squad was picked to finish third in theDistrict 4-AA race. They set realistic goals during preseason camp.”The hardest part was setting realistic goals. We wanted to reachSouth state make the state tournament. When we beat Copiah Academy(40-36 in the BA Classic finals), we gained a lot of confidence. Itshowed we could play with the best.”

Gray has been coaching 17 years. “This was probably one of themost enjoyable years I’ve had. Our team was disciplined and theyhad good shot selection. We didn’t have any major injuries.”

According to Gray there was a deep spiritual unity on his team.”We have devotions in the dressing rooms. I told our girls, ‘If anyglory can come our way, let’s turn it toward the cross.’

“Personally, I feel very blessed. We have had good athletes andlots of support from the parents, fans and administration.”

Gray is married to the former Lindy Noble of Brookhaven and theyhave two sons, Alan, age 13; and Alex, age 6. His wife playedbasketball for Van Chancellor at Ole Miss.

Mrs. Gray and Cheri Lu Altman worked as assistant coaches withGray this season. “Lindy and Cheri really helped a lot. It’s greatto have two former college players on the bench.”

Asked about his coaching philosophy, Gray said, “We believe wecan outwork other programs in the offseason. The biggest influencecame from by dad (John Gray). Ace Bryant, who coached atSoutheastern Louisiana and Central Hinds Academy, affected mycoaching. Dale Watts (BA boys coach) taught me a lot aboutdefense.”

A 1981 BA graduate, Gray played for his father when the Cougarswon the Class A State Tournament title at East Rankin Academy inPelahatchie. His older brother, Ricky, coaches basketball atWilkinson County Christian Academy in Woodville.

In his spare time, Gray enjoys playing golf and spending timewith his family. An Ole Miss graduate, he teaches biology andphysical science.