Coach Preston Wilson considered it justanother day at the office, directing his Brookhaven Panthers to a93-42 Friday night trouncing of North Pike’s Jaguars. However,Wilson’s 200th victory at BHS caught him off guard.

    “Really? I didn’t realize that,” answered Wilson, loosening his tieand flashing a smile. “Brookhaven is our home and it’s great to beback.”

    Wilson, 44, coached the Panthers for six years before leaving afterthe 2001 season for a coaching position at Warren Central. TheGibsland, La. native returned to BHS two years ago and is in histhird season at the helm. His Panthers are 10-2 this season.

    “We are fortunate to  havesome players who are willing to work hard,” said Wilson. “We wantto continue improving the program and our success level. We want tomake it to the (Jackson Mississippi) Coliseum,” home of the statetournament.

    At BHS, Wilson has compiled an overall record of 200 victories and67 losses, winning 75 percent of his games.

    Wilson’s Panthers appeared ready to make a state playoff run Fridaynight, overwhelming North Pike with pressure defense and asharpshooting offense. They were powered by senior forward RossHill’s 16 points. Glen Buie chipped in 14 points as the Panthersroared to a 48-20 halftime lead.

    Buie’s old-fashioned 3-point play pushed the Panthers ahead 42-18with 2:43 left in the first half.

    “We came out and shot the ball well,” said Wilson, “probably ourbest shooting game. We passed the ball well, too. We need to workmore on our post game.”

    Wilson watched his team sack 11 treys, including 3 by AlvinFranklin and 2 by Khalil Newton.

    On the backboards, Ryan Thibodeaux directed BHS with 5 rebounds.Chance Rancifer had 4 steals and 3 assists. Thirteen Panthers putpoints on the scoreboard.

    North Pike, coached by Keith Russ, was plagued by turnovers. TheJaguars got nine points from Jarmane Jordan.