Brookhaven High School held its annual tennis banquet at theState Bank State Room Tuesday night to honor the newly crowned 4AState Champions. The Panthers won their first tennis championshipsince 1978 by edging Cleveland and St. Stanislaus/OLA for the titlelast week at the Ridgeland Tennis Center.

“I’m extremely proud of this squad,” said BHS tennis coach SallyPerkins. “This was a total team effort. I told our team last yearthat if we worked hard enough in the offseason that good thingswould happen. I also want to thank David (Misner) for helping usmake it to the next level.”

Perkins thanked the fans who supported the team during the yearand at the championships at Ridgeland.

“The people at the tourney couldn’t believe the amount ofsupport we brought with us,” said Perkins. “The parents whoaccompanied us throughout the year, and who helped us put togetherthis banquet, I can’t thank them enough.”

New BHS Athletic Director Andrew Hickman also sounded thetrumpet for the squad.

“I’ve only been here for a short time and we’ve already broughtback a title,” said Hickman. “Congratulations to this team andremember to cherish it. Championships don’t come along that often,but this year’s team is relatively young and has the opportunity todo it again, barring any injuries or setbacks.”

The highlight of the banquet was a slide show to salute the teamand show scenes of them in action throughout the year.

Those receiving letters included Sam Sones, Allison DeHuff, LaneLofton, Kim McBride, Josh Brister, Katie Smith, Tedrick Ratcliff,Amanda Lynch, Judson Langston, Sadie Corban, Ashley Hall and StuartMisner.

State tournament certificates were presented to Lofton, Misner,Langston, Sones, Corban, McBride, DeHuff and Smith.

The following players received awards during the ceremonies:

Boys Most Valuable Player – Stuart Misner andJudson Langston.

Girls Most Valuable Player – Kim McBride.

Panther Award – Lane Lofton and KatieSmith.

Hustle Award – Sam Sones.

Most Improved – Allison DeHuff.

Team Player Award – Tedrick Ratcliff.

Spirit Award – Josh Brister and Claire Cox.

Scholastic Award – Ashley Smith.