The Brookhaven faculty, family and the Ole Brook Diamond Club honored their Panther athletes with a spring baseball banquet Monday night to recognize their boys and Diamond Girls for all of their hard work.

Brookhaven head baseball coach Randy Spring welcomed the big crowd to the banquet that was held at Mitchell’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant .

After enjoying the meal, Spring stood up in front to begin the ceremony and thanked the Diamond Club members for their numerous hours of volunteer work. He thanked the BHS administration and athletic director Tommy Clopton for their support.

He also thanked the coaches’ wives, parents, athletic trainer Dara Moak and numerous sponsors for their support during the season, which it meant a lot to him and his team.

Spring talked about his team’s season. “Our season did not live up to our expectations, but we did finish second in our region and won our first playoff game in three seasons,” said Spring. “Overall, I was very proud with the guys’ accomplishments. They came to practice everyday and worked hard to get better.”

Spring’s team finished the season with an 8-15 record overall and were second in Region 6-5A race with a 6-3 record. The Panthers advanced to the playoffs and battled Long Beach in the opening round.

The Panthers will lose only one senior to graduation: Scotty Bateman.

Spring gave an inspiring speech to his team and everyone else in the banquet by telling them to be thankful for the bad times and rejoice in the good times. “We will all experience good times and bad times, throughout our lives but it is how you deal with it that will help you grow better as an individual.”

In closing Spring stated, “While you guys and girls prepare for your life’s adventure, just remember to do it all to your best ability, that will honor and glorify God.”

Penn Wilson was the winner of the Most Valuable Player award during the banquet. Wilson also earned the Best Offensive Player honors.

Scotty Bateman won the Academic Award, the Best Pitcher, Dwayne Oberschmidt Panther Award and Permanent Captain Honors.

Brandon Henyard was recognized as the Best Defensive Player and earned the Most Improve Player honors. Reese Reynaud and Jon-Mark Mathis took home the Mr. Hustle award.

Blaine Moak was also chosen as the Team Permanent Captain.

Moak, Wilson, Henyard and Bateman were selected to the 6-5A All-Region Team. Darrian Wilson and Mathis received honorable mention.

Several players were recognized during the banquet and received certificates for participation and varsity letter recognition.

At the closing of the ceremony, Spring thanked everyone for coming out and asked Blaine Moak to give the benediction.