Brookhaven Academy is the recipient of the 2006 MississippiPrivate School Association All-Sports Award for Class AA schools,beating out 27 other schools. This is the third time in theschool’s history that BA has received this award.

BA finished with 37 total points, two ahead of second placefinisher Clarksdale Lee Academy who had 35. Following in a distantthird with 27 was Silliman Institute of Clinton, La. Points areawarded in Class competition only.

“It’s hard to win it,” said BA athletic director Barry Gray.

“First, I must commend the coaches, players, administration andsupporters on all the work it takes to win an All-Sports Award,”said Gray.

“Secondly, I appreciated the time put in by the coaches andplayers behind the scenes,” continued Gray. “And how the coachesand players conducted themselves behind the scenes.”

Brookhaven Academy headmaster Dr. Miller Hammill echoed Gray’ssentiments. “It’s been a great school year for us.”

Hammill pointed out that the school had the highest scholasticaccreditation with the colleges again.

“This is the icing on the cake by being the No. 1 AA school inthe state,” said Dr. Hammill.

Hammill talked about BA being a well-rounded school, bothacademically and athletically.

“I must commend our athletic director, coaches andstudent-athletes for the good job they have done,” praisedHammill.

Gray recognized the coaching staff at BA for what they haveaccomplished. “I feel like we have one of the top three or fourcoaching staffs in the state.”

BA received 10 points for boys basketball, 6 points each forboys and girls tennis and slowpitch softball, 5 points for baseballand 4 points for girls soccer.

The BA basketball boys, coached by Dale Watts, won the MPSAClass AA State Tournament title and the Cougars finished runners-upin the Overall Tournament.

Both BA tennis teams, coached by Alan Taylor, won Class AA statechampionships. The baseball team, coached by Stephen Cooksey, wonthe District 4-AA title.

Gray’s golf team and Coach Ricky Allen’s slowpitch girlssoftball team won their district titles.

“Dr. Hammill put together a strong staff,” said Gray. “Theadministration and board do a good job of getting us what we need.That makes it a lot easier.”

Hammill also complimented the support they have from thecheerleaders and dance team.

BA had several athletes receive scholarships to junior andsenior colleges this past year. Gray expects there will be morenext year.

“We expect 10 athletes will go and play at the college level,”said Gray of the upcoming senior class.

Hammill said he was appreciative of the support the school hasreceived. “We want to thank all of our supporters. Our future isbright.”

Jackson Academy won the Class AAA all-sports award, edgingJackson Prep 75-70. River Oaks (La.) beat out Desoto (Ark.) 32-25for the Class A crown.