Brookhaven Country Club tennis director Alan Taylor issued manywords of thanks after completion of the Mississippi JuniorHardcourt Open State Championships. The marathon tennis eventstarted Saturday morning and, after two rain delays, concludedMonday night at 10:30.

“The tournament went pretty well,” said Taylor Tuesday. “Therewas a lot of outstanding tennis. I know the kids and the parentsenjoyed it. We had 179 players participate from five states.”

Taylor said an abundance of volunteers helped make thetournament a success. “I want to thank all of the volunteers, Icouldn’t have done it without Coney Lea, my tournament referee.Leann Summers oversaw the volunteers and the tournamentofficials.”

Taylor said the tournament sponsors included Bank of Brookhaven,Sullivan Motors, Castle’s, KDMC Sports/Physical Therapy, BrookhavenSports, Betty Ann’s, Farm Bureau, Dickerson & Bowen,Expectations and the Brookhaven Academy Tennis Booster Club.

“I know the tournament helped the local economy,” said Taylor.”Everyone who needed a motel room was able to find one.”

Locally, Taylor said Brookhaven made its best showing in Boys 12singles where No. 2 seed Dudley Lampton reached the finals and WillHickman gained the semifinals. No. 1 seed Zachary Wilder of Oxforddefeated Lampton 6-3, 6-3, in the finals.

Lampton was a 6-2, 6-4 winner over Hickman in thesemifinals.

Brookhaven’s Anna C. Moak finished fifth in Girls 18s.

“I also want to thank Brookhill on Natchez and David Misner forallowing us to use their facility,” said Taylor.

The Hardcourt Open was moved from the Gulf Coast due toHurricane Katrina. Taylor said he plans to host a junior tennistournament in March, 2006.