Senior pitcher Brandon Foster and junior shortstop Gabe Wilsonwere chosen Brookhaven’s Most Valuable Players during Sundaynight’s Brookhaven Baseball Awards Banquet. They were bothinstrumental in Ole Brook’s 17-11 campaign and a berth in the Class5A state playoffs.

The banquet, held at the Johnson Grove Church of Christfellowship hall, honored varsity and junior varsity players, plusthe batgirls, statisticians and managers.

BHS Diamond Club member Stan Patrick served as emcee. He alsoserves as public address announcer at BHS baseball and footballhome games. Dennis Valentine is the Diamond Club president and DonBritt is vice president. Suzi Patrick is secretary/treasurer.

Ole Brook head coach Randy Spring complimented his team fortheir accomplishments in an unusual season of adversity. Springsaid that eight of his 16 varsity squad members missed games due toillness or injury. Combined, they missed a total of 61 games.

“It speaks well for our depth,” said Spring. It was the eighthstraight year for the Panthers to reach the state playoffs.

The Panthers had a .340 team batting average.

Spring recognized his five senior members: Foster, ZachHalliwell, Brice Huckaby, Elliott McKee and Patrick Valentine. Infour varsity seasons, they helped compile a record of 82 wins and40 losses, sharing one division championship.

Foster, a left-handed pitcher, compiled a 6-2 record as a seniorand batted .403. On the mound, he had a 1.36 ERA. Foster alsoearned the team’s Pitching Award.

Foster is expected to sign a scholarship with SouthwestMississippi Community College this week.

Wilson, a sure-handed infielder, collected 28 hits and 28 RBIs.He batted .400 and hit two homers.

Elected as permanent team captains were Foster and McKee. TheDwayne Oberschmidt Panther Award went to Valentine. Mr. Hustle alsowent to Valentine.

Halliwell’s 3.61 GPA earned him the team’s Scholastic Award.Scottie Peavey was named Best Offensive Player and McKee was BestDefensive Player.

The Most Improved Player was E.J. Henderson.

Spring, in his 11th season at the helm, extended special thanksto a number of people. He also recognized two of his assistantcoaches, Eric Stokes and Brett Hicks, who are leaving theprogram.

Hicks is entering private business after one year with the team.Stokes, pitching coach for seven years, has accepted anadministrative position with the school.

“Eric wants to spend more time with his family and I don’t blamehim,” said Spring. “He has been a valuable member of our staff andhas great insight.”

Spring also thanked his wife, Amy, and other coaches’ wives fortheir patience and support during the season.,

Representing BHS on the All-Division 5-5A First Team are Peavey,Wilson, McKee and Foster. Huckaby was an Honorable Mentionselection.