JACKSON – The Brookhaven Academy Lady Cougars came out firing in the first quarter to take a 20-4 lead after the initial frame and never looked back defeating the class 4A Richland High School Lady Rangers 58-32 Monday night in the Hillcrest Christian Thanksgiving Classic.

In the boys game, the BA Cougars secured a 55-49 win over the Rangers.

BA 58, Richland 32 

Hillary Wilson led the Lady Cougars with 21 points including five three-pointers followed Madison Warren’s 12. Mary Claire White and Lindsey Winborne each had nine rebounds on the night for the Lady Cougars. White also chipped in 6 points to add to the BA total.

The Lady Rangers were led by their 6-2 center Azarie Howard, who tallied 12 points on the evening.

“I thought we played really well when we were aggressive on offense,” said Lady Cougar Head Coach Mack Gardner. “Wins before getting into district play and on into January are a bonus, and I know our girls will work hard to clean some things up and continue to improve.

“Overall I was proud of our effort tonight.”

Brookhaven 55, Richland 49 

The Cougars got off to fast start and overpowered the Rangers to claim 32-19 lead at halftime and held off Richland’s second half rally to secured the win.

Junior forward Peyton Hood pumped in a team-high 17 points and eight rebounds to lead BA. Zac Smith and Ethan Harris provided 10 points and four rebounds apiece.

Jeffrey Spence poured in a game-high 23 points and six rebounds to paced the Rangers. Keyadre Lewis chipped in 14 points and three rebounds.