Brookhaven Academy went further in boys’ soccer this season than the school and program have ever gone before.

 

Senior midfielder Enrique Hernandez was a huge part of leading the team those new heights. For his outstanding play this season, Hernandez has been tabbed as the 2023 Daily Leader All-Area Boys’ Soccer Most Valuable Player.

 

Hernandez was named to the All-Area team last season as a junior. With the graduation last year of his older cousin, Yosvin Hernandez, there was a need for Enrique to step up in 2022-2023.

Yosvin Hernandez graduated from BA as the two-time All-Area MVP and played last year as a freshman for Co-Lin.

Enrqiue will join Yosvin next season on the CLCC roster as he’s already signed to play for the Wolf Pack after graduation.

 

This season, Enrique didn’t lead the team in goals — he scored eight times — but was the team leader with 10 assists.

BA head coach Alex Brown said the paly of Hernandez in the midfield was the key for his team finishing 11-6 this season.

“Enrique was our best player this season,” said Brown. “His ability in the midfield is what carried us throughout the year.”

 

Hernandez transferred to BA from Bogue Chitto as a junior. He leaves Brookhaven Academy with a two-year combined record of 29-8.

 

None of those wins was bigger than the 2-1 win over St. Aloysious in the first round of the MAIS playoffs, the fist playoff win in school history.

 

There were big shoes to fill for the Cougars with the graduation of Yosvin and that trend will continue now that Enrique has laced up for the last time as a Cougar.