DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Brookhaven Panthers receiving special awards at Monday night’s Basketball Banquet were (from left, seated) Khalil Newton, All-Division; Shon Blackwell, Most Improved; Fred Trevillion, All-Division; Lazorian McNulty, Best Offensive Player, All-Division; Keante Benjamin, Panther Award; (standing) Darrian Wilson, Best Defensive Award; Carl King, Scholastic Award; Shaquan Richardson, Most Improved, All-Division; Damarius Brooks, Mr. Hustle; Tavis Moore, Best Rebounder Award.

Senior forward Fredericka Fairman was named Most Valuable Player and junior guard Keante Benjamin was the recipient of the Panther Award at Monday night’s Brookhaven Basketball Awards Banquet. It was held at Mitchell’s Steak and Seafood restaurant.

An estimated crowd of 60 witnessed the event that honored varsity and junior varsity basketball teams.

BHS Hardwood Booster Club president Valerie Moore opened the ceremony by welcoming the crowd to the special event.

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

BHS girls coach Freda Craft reflected on her team’s 12-11 campaign.

“I know this was a rebuilding year, but I believe our girls played and worked really hard this year,” said Craft. “I look forward to next season as we continue to work to get better. We must continue believing in each other and believing in ourselves.”

Chantel Quarles received the Panther Award, The Most Improved; and Scholastic Awards went to Junior Yasmine Hill.

Junior Jessica Wilson was recognized as Best Offensive Player and freshman Jada Henderson was named Rookie of the Year. Kynitria Hill won the Best Defensive Player award. Fredericka Fairman and Hill also received All-District honors in Region 6-5A.

Preston Wilson’s Panthers posted a 21-7 record and finished No. 1 in the regular season Region 6-5A race. They advanced to the Region 6-5A championship and lost to Wingfield 53-51, but still qualified for the 5A state playoffs. The Panthers were eliminated in the first round by Laurel 77-70.

“We had a very good season,” said Wilson. “Our players worked hard all season, but we fell short at the end of reaching our goal.”

Wilson praised his seniors for providing team leadership. “Our seniors did a great job leading by example and the rest of the guys responded by stepping up their game. We will miss these seniors, but the future looks bright with the foundation they have set for this upcoming group.”

Sophomore guard Lazorian McNulty 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 Shon Blackwell and Shaquan Richardson as the team’s Most Improved players; Damarius Brooks, Mr. Hustle Award; and Carl King, Scholastic Award.

Fred Trevillion, Khalil Newton. Lazorian McNulty and Shaquan Richardson received Region 6-5A All-Division honors.

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

DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Brookhaven Lady Panthers receiving special awards at Monday night’s Basketball Banquet were (from left, seated) Jessica Wilson, Best Offensive Player; Yasmine Hill, Most Improved, Scholastic Award; Fredericka Fairman, Most Valuable Player, All-District; (standing) Chantel Quarles, Panther Award; Kynitria Hill, Best Defensive Player, All-District; Jada Henderson, Rookie of the Year.