Senior post player Kynitria Hill was named Most Valuable Player, and senior forward Randy Wilson was the recipient of the Panther Award at Thursday night’s Brookhaven Basketball Awards Banquet that was held at the Brookhaven Recreational Building.

An estimated crowd of 60 witnessed the event that honored varsity basketball teams. The food was catered by Broma’s.

BHS coach Preston Wilson and Betty Wilson opened the ceremony by welcoming the crowd to the special event.

After the meal, the BHS Hardwood Club members had the honor to recognizing the members of boys and girls basketball team with certificates of participation.

Brookhaven coaches Preston Wilson and Jimmie Butler handed out several special awards. Two awards went to Shaquan Richardson’s family and Jevonta Dickey’s family. Two more special awards went to Mt. Wade Baptist Church and Faith Presbyterian Church for the use of the basketball facilities earlier in the season while Sinclair Gymnasium was under renovations. The final special honor went to BHS Hardwood Club president Valeria Moore for her hard work in rebuilding the Hardwood Booster Club.

BHS girls coach Freda Craft was not present for the ceremony due to medical reason, but assistant coach Zandra Hamilton stepped in to reflected on the Lady Panthers’ season.

“I know this was a tough rebuilding year, but I was very proud of the girls,” said Hamilton. “They fought hard everyday to get better and did not give up. We started off slow, but when district started we fought our rhythm and made a great run through Region 6-5A and the district tournament.”

Arnancy Arnold received the Panther Award. The Most Improved Award went to Jada Henderson. The Scholastic Award was received by Yasmine Hill.

Asia Byrd was recognized as Best Offensive Player. Chantel Quarles captured the Best Rebounder honors. Shoniece Smith won the Best Defensive Player award. Asia Byrd, Chantel Quarles and Kynitria Hill also received All-District honors in Region 6-5A.

Preston Wilson’s Panthers posted a 23-5 record and finished No. 1 in the regular season Region 6-5A race with a perfect 6-0 record. The Panthers also won their first division title, breaking a 12-year drought. Brookhaven qualified for the 5A state playoffs, but were eliminated in the second round by Wayne County 63-60.

“We had a very good season,” said Wilson. “Our players worked hard all season. We managed to accomplish some of our goals that we set during the season, but we did not reach our goals during the post-season.”

Wilson thanked his team, assistant coach, parent and administration for their dedication and leadership. “It is a great joy working with these young athletes and it is honor to watch them grow into fine young men and women.”

Sophomore guard Damarius was recognized as Best Offensive Player. Tavis Moore won the team’s Best Rebounder Award. Darrian Wilson was named Best Defensive Player. Other awards went to Danarius Gray and Tyriq Reese as the team Most Improved players; Shon Blackwell earned the Mr. Hustle Award and Alondo Floyd took home the Scholastic Award.

Tavis Moore, Lazorian McNulty, Damarius Brooks and Darrian Wilson received Region 6-5A All-Division honors. Darrian Wilson was also selected on the All-State honorable mention team.

Moore closed the special event by thanking everyone for his or her hard work and wished everyone a safe trip home.