Coach Preston Wilson considered it just another day at the office, directing his Brookhaven Panthers to a 78-51 Friday night trouncing of the West Lincoln’s Bears at Jack Case Gymnasium.

However, Wilson’s 350th victory at BHS did not catch him off guard.

“It is always good to reach a milestone in your career,” answered Wilson, flashing a smile. “Brookhaven is a great place to coach. It is also great to earn this victory in a very tough place to play here at West Lincoln.”

Wilson, 46, coached the Panthers for six years before leaving after the 2001 season for coaching positions at Warren Central, Woodlawn, La., in Shreveport and Lawrence County. The Gibsland, La., native returned to BHS four years ago and is in his fifth season at the helm. His Panthers are 10-3 this season.

Wilson has compiled an overall record of 350 victories and 213 losses, winning 62 percent of his games. At BHS alone, he has compiled 231 victories and 92 losses in two different stints from 1995-2001 and 2009-present.

In his other three coaching stints, he compiled a 29-30 record in three years coaching at Warren Central, 57-39 worksheet in three years at Woodlawn, Shreveport, La., and 33-52 record in three years coaching at Lawrence County.

Wilson’s Panthers appeared ready to make a strong statement in the upcoming district race Friday night, by overwhelming West Lincoln with pressure defense and a sharp-shooting offense.

The Panthers were powered by senior forward Khalil Newton’s 25 points. Darrian Wilson chipped in 10 points and grabbed 8 rebounds as the Panthers roared to a 42-25 halftime lead.

“The kids played hard,” continued Wilson. “We managed to put together a huge lead in the second quarter to take a comfortable lead into halftime and hang on to the lead for the win.”

Junior forward Duane Marshall and sophomore guard Keshaun London were the offensive leaders for the Bears (10-2) with 16 points apiece. Sam Bivens and Marshall paced West Lincoln on the boards with 6 rebounds each. Chase Buckles contributed 5 rebounds.

Brookhaven came ready to play and we were not,” said West Lincoln coach Lane Young. “I will take the blame for not having us ready to play. Brookhaven took it to us and gave us a good old fashion whipping offensively and defensively.”