COLUMBUS, Ga. — As the Lee Flames prepare for the Southern States Athletic Conference baseball championship that got under way this morning, they took time out for the annual SSAC banquet Thursday evening.

Coach Mark Brew of the East Division Championship Flames will pit his club against the No. 4 team out of the West Division, William Carey University. The Flames will enter the event 44-10 and the Crusaders bring a 26-23 mark into the tourney.

Senior pitcher Shay Crawford was Lee’s top award winner. He was named the conference Newcomer of the Year, All-SSAC East Division and a member of the All-Conference pitching staff. He was also an All-SSAC Gold Glove winner.

Outfielder Michael Brown claimed All-SSAC and All-Conference outfield honors. He was chosen as the SSAC East Division Player of the Year. Designated hitter Chris Grayson joined Brown and Crawford on the All-Conference club, while catcher Justin Marrero and pitcher Kris Hall were named All-East Division.

The Flames performed well in the classroom in 2011, placing eight players on the SSAC All-Academic Team. Seniors Jay Bolen and Kris Dockery, junior Max Harvell, and sophomores Klifford Hawkins, James Rechenbach and Rob Rowland, were joined by redshirts Taylor Comford and David Eskew on the academic team.

Dockery was Lee’s SSAC Champion of Character Award winner.