Anchored by a quintet of talented seniors, the BrookhavenPanthers have high aspirations for the 2011 campaign. Ole Brookhead coach Randy Spring begins his 12th campaign at BHS.

The Panthers finished 17-11 and were runners-up to West Jones inlast season’s Division 5-5A race. They were defeated on the road byeventual state champion Long Beach in the first round of theplayoffs.

Spring said his team’s physical health and how each playerbounces back from injuries was a major concern. “We have a chanceto be OK if we can stay healthy. That’s been the biggest thing wehave struggled with the last few seasons.”

His 2004 edition won the Class 4A state championship, beatingPontotoc in the finals at Smith-Wills Stadium in Jackson.

He praised his team’s work ethic leading up to the 2011 campaign.”Our kids have been working hard. They’ve made it one of the bestpreseasons ever, despite the bad weather.”

Asked about his pitching staff, Spring pointed to Scottie Peavey,J.D. Britt, Dillon Newell and Andrew Culver as the top fourpitchers. Also in the bullpen are Houston Case, J.B. Perkins, GabeWilson and Seth Porter.

Working at catcher are Newell and Perkins. Culver and Drew Jonesare at first base. Case is at second base, Wilson at shortstop andBritt, Genoa Sartin at third base. Perkins can fill most of theinfield positions.

In the outfield, E. J Henderson is in left field and center. Peaveyis in center. Patrick and Jones are in right field.

Peavey, Northwest Florida; Wilson, Meridian; and Britt, Co-Lin;have signed community college scholarships. Henderson, an AlabamaState signee in football, wants to play baseball for the Hornetsnext year.

Peavey is considered one of the best players in Mississippi thisspring. As a junior he batted .580, collecting 46 RBIs and 5homers. On the mound, he compiled a 4-3 record and a 2.36 ERA. Hestruck out 49 batters and walked 24.

Britt batted .226 and owned a 3-1 pitching record. He missed aportion of the season due to injury.

Wilson batted .400 and had 18 RBIs. Henderson posted a .259average. He stole 6 bases.

Perkins batted .302 as a sophomore.

Spring said the West Jones Mustangs are the favorites in the regionrace. “West Jones in the team to beat. They lost a good hitter anda pitcher but they are favored.”

Spring said South 5A should be competitive again.

Assisting Spring are Dustin Lott and Chad Leggett. DwayneOberschmidt has rejoined the program as a junior high coach.

Among the seniors lost to gradation was southpaw pitcher BrandonFoster who posted a 6-2 record and batted .400. Outfielder ElliottMcKee (.351) also graduated.