Jay Case knows his way around the gymnasium. The West Lincolnsenior has spent countless hours working on his shooting skills inJack Case Gymnasium, home of the West Lincoln Bears.

Case, a wiry 6-foot-1, 145-pound guard, averaged 21.6 points pergame this season, leading West Lincoln to a 28-1 record. He alsoaveraged 4.4 steals, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

For his efforts, Case has been named Mr. Basketball and MostValuable Player on The DAILY LEADER’s 2011 All-Lincoln County BoysBasketball Team.

Joining Case on the Dream Team are Fred Fairman and Leo Garrett ofBrookhaven, Sidney Chaffin and Brock Smith of Brookhaven Academy,Sam Furr of Enterprise and Jared Case of West Lincoln. The team wasselected by members of the DL’s sports staff, with input providedby area high school and college basketball coaches.

Case, one of two senior starters at West Lincoln, directed theBears to a sparkling campaign. The Bears dreamed of their firststate tournament appearance since 1996 but they suffered aseason-ending, upset loss to Dexter in the South State 1Asemifinals.

“Dexter was the best team we played,” said Case. “They had improveda lot since we beat them,” in November.

Case’s basketball skills have improved because of his diligent workethic. His grandfather, Jack Case, coached his father, Jason Case,when they won back-to-back state championships in 1981-82.

“I always wanted to be a good basketball player,” said Jay. “My dadshowed me how to shoot. My grandfather is a big fan, too.”

West Lincoln coach Lane Young said Case doesn’t mind working hardto improve his skills. “Jay is the hardest working player I’ve hadin any sport. He put a lot of time in at home, besides practice inthe gym.

“His defense has improved tremendously over the past four years,”Young noted. “He got a lot of his points off steals. He plays witha lot of heart.”

Jay has read the newspaper clippings about his dad scoring 50points in a state championship game against Wheeler, 29 years ago.He plans to play basketball at the next level, probably atCopiah-Lincoln Community College.

Asked about the season, Case said, “Our team had fun playingtogether. We got along well.

“We played real good defense. I think we held people to 52 or 53points per game.”

He said he appreciated the community’s support. “The fans helped usplay better.”

Case plays hard the entire game. His participation in cross countrystrengthened his endurance. He was Class 1A runner-up in the statemeet.

Asked about his favorite things, Case said he enjoys eating steakand his favorite dessert is banana pudding. He’s scored 25 on theACT and his favorite subject is math.

On television, Case enjoys watching reruns of the popular westernseries, Bonanza.

He faithfully follows the Florida Gators. His favorite NBA team isBoston and his favorite player is Celtics guard Ray Allen “becausehe can shoot it.”

Case said he is considering a career in teaching and coaching, justlike his father.

Fred Fairman, a 6-8 senior center; was the centeroff attention whenever the Panthers took the floor. He averaged14.9 points and 10 rebounds per game.

“Fred was our go-to man,” said BHS coach Preston Wilson. “He becamea real solid player for us. His work ethic has improved alot.”

Fairman has received scholarship offers from Co-Lin and New MexicoJunior College. Southwest Tennessee also has expressedinterest.

Brock Smith, a 6-3 junior forward, averaged 12points, 7 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2 assists per game forBrookhaven Academy, helping them to an 18-12 record. The Cougarsfinished fourth in the Class AA state tournament.

“Brock is the definition of Mr. Hustle,” said Coach Dale Watts. “Ifhe shoots a shot and misses, he’s going to dive and go get it. Thatin turn creates a lot of opportunities for him and a lot ofbenefits for us.”

Leo Garrett, a 6-1 seniorguard; averaged 10.4points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the Panthers. Coach Wilsonmoved him from shooting guard to point guard this season.

“Leo was our biggest asset,” said Wilson. “He kept us steady on thefloor. He made the transition from shooting guard to point guard.”

Sidney Chaffin, a 6-5 senior post/forward; was areturning veteran for the 6-time defending state champion Cougars.He averaged 16 points and 9 rebounds per game as the Cougarsknocked off AA favorites Central Private and Hillcrest Christian inthe state playoffs.

“Sidney is one of the best guys I’ve ever coached,” said Watts.”He’s also one of the best athletes I’ve coached.

“He can shoot the ball well and he can jump. He had a lot ofresponsibility this season.”

Sam Furr, a 6-4 senior forward, averaged 16 pointsand 9 rebounds per game for the Yellow Jackets who finished6-26.

“Sam is a great scrapper and he had a very good year for us,” saidEnterprise coach John Knight. “He’s a great offensive rebounder andgood percentage shooter.”

Knight said he thought Furr had 18 double-doubles this season asthe Jackets reached the Class 2A state playoffs.

Jared Case, a 5-10 sophomore point guard; averaged16.2 points, 4.5 assists and 2.7 steals per game for West Lincoln.He’s a southpaw.

“Jared had a lot of assists and he was probably our best defensiveplayer,” said Young. “He plays hard all the time and reallycontrols the game. He also has good hands and foot speed.”