Seniors Amy Hoover and Steven Young were named Most ValuablePlayers on their respective Brookhaven soccer teams Monday night atthe school’s athletic awards banquet. Hoover has signed ascholarship with Mississippi State University and Young plans tosign with Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

Seventeen seniors were recognized by BHS Soccer Booster Clubpresident Alvin Hoover and club secretary Anna Davey. They werepresented with framed, action-color photographs taken by teamphotographer Frank Perkins.

Hoover, a volunteer assistant coach this season, served as emceeand welcomed the crowd to the Brookhaven Parks & Recreationheadquarters located on Highway 51 North. Patrick Davey providedthe invocation.

BHS soccer coach Kevin Bower and assistant Russ Britt presentedeach player with a certificate. Bower said the players voted on theindividual awards.

“I wish I had an award for every senior,” said Bower. “I had a goodtime coaching the team this season.”

Bower’s girls were region runners-up to West Jones and advanced tothe Class 5A state playoffs where they lost a sudden-death,overtime shootout to Picayune in the opening round.

Hoover and Sarah Ayers were named permanent team captains. Ayersalso received the Scholastic and Most Valuable Defensive Playerawards.

Andie Netherland was named Most Improved Offensive Player. ShellieSmith was named Most Valuable Offensive Player. Katie GraceCulpepper was named Most Valuable Defensive Player.

The Coaches Award went to Lindey Wall.

BHS Boys Awards

Young and Happy Uppal were named Permanent Team Captains. Uppalalso earned the Scholastic Award.

Other awards: Most Valuable Offense: J.B. Perkins. Most ValuableDefense: Stephen Davey. Most Improved Offense: Houston Case. MostImproved Defense: Jonathan Stepney; Hustle Award: Zachary Cannon.Coaches Award: Dewey Stailey.

Bower thanked Hoover for taking the time to become aparaprofessional. “I know he helped a lot of you with individualtechniques and skills.”

In closing Bower challenged the players to make the right choicesin their daily lives. “Who do you hang out with?

“All of you will make choices and you have to make the rightchoices.”