Panthers honor seniors at their final home game
By Kelly Griffith Bullard Banner News

-- Bullard Banner photo by Kelly Griffith From left, Bullard Panthers Chris Manning, Raymond Cooper and Robby Barkley stand for one more picture before their final game on their home court.

At last week's Panthers final home game, the team and community took time to honor its senior boys and their hard work and achievements.

Four boys took center court escorted by their loved ones and were wished the best in their years left to come.

"I've only had the pleasure of coaching Chris and Raymond this year," Coach Ryan Tomlin said "They came into our program and fit in very well with great attitudes, both were very well with great attitudes, both were very coach-able."

Raymond Cooper has played varsity basketball for Bullard as well as John Tyler and Brook Hill. He has received honors such as New Comer of the year on a varsity level and Mr. Basketball at Brook Hill. He was also chosen for academic all-district.

Cooper attends Rose Heights Church and enjoys basketball, fishing and music.

Coopers plans include attending Texas Tech University to pursue a career in Engineering and possible play basketball.

Chris Manning enjoys participating in basketball, track and football.

He also sings in the choir at Greater Mount Horeb Baptist Church were he attends and serves on the usher board.

Manning plans to attend Tyler Junior College for two years and transferring to university to become a physical therapist and continue his basketball career.

Robby Barkley's activities and honors include playing varsity basketball 2005-2007 and many different sports including soccer and golf leading to many awards. He is a member of Key Club and part of the Southern Baptist youth group.

Barkley plans to attend North Texas or Baylor University to major in Law.

"Robby has been with us three years, these past two on varsity and he's done a great job. It was a pleasure to coach him as well." Tomlin said. "They have been great kids to coach."

Uriah Johnson was the final boy to take the court to be honored for his position as boy's basketball manager for the past two seasons.

Johnson is also the Multicultural Representative for the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod Lutheran Youth Organization Board and

an active member of the Our Savior's Lutheran Church youth group.

Johnson plans to attend Tyler Junior College, become a church youth group leader and later attend seminary to become

pastor for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

"I wish them the best in their future endeavors." Tomlin said.