The Brookhaven Panthers and Lady Panthers are under new leadership as the 2015-16 basketball season gets under way.

Preston Wilson is directing the girls and Jimmie Butler is guiding the boys.

Ole Brook opened its season Saturday at Jefferson County in a classic game against Madison, Louisiana in Fayette.

The Panthers and Lady Panthers will be on the road for three games before returning home to Sinclair Gymnasium for their first home opener against Wesson on Nov. 21.

Lady Panthers bring youth 

Preston Wilson stepped away from coaching the boys after several years to take over the girls program after coach Freda Craft retired.

Wilson will have two seniors – Fernandria Byrd and Mya Washington – on the team this season to provide leadership.

Only two starters are back from last year’s squad, and Asia Byrd and Jada Henderson will be looked upon for guidance. The Lady Panthers have several new faces this season and are looking to improve on last year’s 5-24 record.

“I am just hoping that these girls will go out and compete hard each and every night,” said Wilson.

Lost to graduation were starters Yasmine Hill, Kynitria Hill, Shoniece Smith and Chantel Quarles.

Panthers have plenty of experience returning 

Jimmie Butler begins his first season as head coach of the Panthers.

Brookhaven has plenty of depth and speed this season as it looks to reclaim the division title and return to the playoffs.

Last season, the Panthers lost a heartbreaker in the opening round of the playoffs, falling to Wayne County.

Butler and his Panthers are looking to improve on a 25-4 record from last season.

The Panthers will have five returning starters: Lazorian McNulty, Shon Blackwell, Darrian Wilson, Damarius Brooks and Garrick Smith.

The Panthers lost three senior starters to graduation last year – Tavis Moore, Keante Benjamin and Randy Wilson.

BHS girls roster 

Seniors: Fernandria Byrd, Mya Washington

Juniors: Asia Byrd, Ta’Mya Price, Courtney Brown, Cheyenne Motley, Jada Henderson, Arnancy Arnold

Sophomores:  Taylor Carter, Alarria Townsend, Johnique James, Angel Washington

Freshmen: Miyah Miller, Cynphoni Thompson, Tamia Stallings

Brookhaven boys roster 

Seniors:  Shon Blackwell, Darrian Wilson, Lazorian McNulty, Garrick Smith, Marte Jones, Darius Bryant

Juniors:  Tyriq Reese, Damarius Brooks, Danarius Gray, Jaquorius Davis, Emmanuel Williams, Jashawn Perkins

Sophomores: Richard Marshall, Keith Robinson, Michael Stallings

Freshmen: John Hilbert

Brookhaven Schedule

November: 

7-at Vicksburg classic

17-at South Pike

19-at West Lincoln

21-Wesson

28-Harrison Central (Boys Only)

December: 

1-Franklin Co.,

4-North Pike,

8-at Terry,

11-at Lawrence Co.,

12-at Pearl (Girls Only)

15-Tylertown

18-at Wesson

28-29-at NW Rankin Holiday Tournament.

January:

2-Lawrence Co.

5-South Pike

8-at Natchez

12-Jefferson Co.

15-Provine

19-at Warren Central

22-Wingfield

26-at Provine

29-Natchez.

February: 

2-Jim Hill

9-at Winfield

15-19- Division 3-5A Tournament TBA

22-23 State Playoffs (First Round)

26-27 State Playoffs (Second Round)

March: 

2-12- State Championship in Jackson.