Coaching an athletic team can be like a box of chocolates. Younever know what you’re going to get.

Brookhaven Academy girls basketball coach Barry Gray had morequestions than answers when the 2008-09 season got under way. Hehad to replace 4 starters from a 32-5 team that won district andSouth state championships, placing third in the state AAtournament.

Exceeding expectations, Gray’s youth-laden squad matured as theseason progressed. For their accomplishments, Gray is recognized asThe DAILY LEADER’s Lincoln County Girls Basketball Coach of theYear.

“It was a rewarding season,” said Gray. “We really didn’t knowwhat to expect at the start of the year. We only had one starterback. We had had two good junior high seasons.”

Gray, 46, is a 1981 BA graduate. He saw potential in hishard-working young team

“I was concerned about how we could score early in the season,”Gray admitted. “We started 0-2. Then they really started playingwell together.

“They found their roles quicker than usual,” Gray continued.”They understood what they could accomplish as individuals. Theyall had individual strengths and they stayed inside that role.”

Gray praised the leadership provided by his three seniors:Nicole Smith, Jordan Langston and Kristen Kimble. Only one of themhad started as a junior.

“Our seniors really set the tone for this team,” said Gray.”They set the example in practice and in games. I was impressedwith their leadership.

“Nicole was our leader on the floor,” Gray pointed out. “Jordanwas our leader in practice. Kristen was our spiritual leader in thedressing room.”

Like an infant just learning to crawl, the season startedslowly, with mild expectations. The young team suddenly sprang fromwalking to running to consistently winning.

“There wasn’t much pressure until the end of the year,” saidGray. “We started 0-2 and finished 36-7. Our younger playersperformed exceptionally well.”

Joining Smith in the starting lineup were freshmen TerahWinborne at guard and Laura Beth Wright at forward, plus sophomoresAnna Katelyn Mangold at center and Anna Lofton at guard.

Obviously, future basketball fortunes look bright.

“If this group can make one more move and get more skilled onthe offensive end, we have the potential to make it to the top twoor three teams,” Gray predicted. “Our defense is getting better.Our girls are unselfish and humble.”

Gray, an Ole Miss graduate, is in his 14th year at the helm. Hesets a high standard each year for his girls to achieve.

His teams have won 6 of the last 11 state titles. They wereOverall champions in 2004.

“What I’m most proud of is that we have made the South Statefinals nine of the last 10 years. We beat Oak Forest two out ofthree and they were second in Overall.”

Serving as a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Brookhaven,Gray promotes the spiritual side of life to his teams. “Our girlsdid a good job of remaining humble and honoring God. Theyunderstood that all good things come from Him. They gave themselvesup for the team.”

The Cougar Nation faithfully follows their athletic teams,especially in basketball. Gray said, “I appreciate them. Thesupport of the fans and the parents has been outstanding. I feelblessed that God has given me the opportunity to coach and honorHim.”

His wife Lindy is a BA graduate and his assistant coach. Theyhave two children. Alan is a 20-year-old junior at Ole Miss. Alex,13, is an eighth grader at BA.

When he isn’t coaching basketball, Gray serves as the school’sathletic director and junior high football coach. He also coachesthe golf team and works as offensive coordinator for the varsityfootball team. He teaches seventh grade life science.

It’s a full menu but Gray enjoys it.