The Brookhaven High Panthers showed they are the strongest program in Region 3-5A at division meet hosted by Jim Hill. BHS beat out Jim Hill and Wayne County to get first place as nine of the 12 BHS lifters went over 1,000 combined points in their lifts.

Last season, the Panthers were second place finishers at the region meet.

Winners for BHS included Will Buie (144-pound division), Jay Ross (123-pound division), Quintaye Bates (165-pound division), JQ Edwards (181-point division), Jamar Lewis (308-pound division) and Caleb Harris (308-plus division).

With a combined total of 1,355 pounds lifted in bench, squat and deadlift, Lewis was the top lifter in the entire meet regardless of weight.

Other competitors for BHS included Pierre Bridgeforth, Javonta Stewart, Jakari Lyons, Omarion Diggs, Landon Smith and Jon Albritton.

“Overall I’m pleased with all our guys,” said BHS powerlifting coach Russ Britt. “Every lifter did their part in getting points and eight of our 12 will move on to south state. This group of guys is always ready to put in hard work. They’re very dedicated and I’m extremely proud of them.”

BHS will participate in the 5A south state meet on March 21 at West Lincoln.