The Brookhaven Cougars and Lady Cougars escaped Baker, La., with a pair of basketball victories over the Central Private Rebels Friday night.

In the girls’ game, the Lady Cougars overcame a sluggish first half to roar past the Lady Rebels 51-28.

In boys’ action, the Cougars’ offensive firepower clobbered the Rebels 59-26.

Brookhaven Academy returns to action Friday as they prepare to host the annual three-day Christmas Tournament starting Friday. The tournament will take place all day Friday and Saturday with the conclusion of the consolation and championship on Monday.

Brookhaven Acad. 51, Central Private 28 

After a tightly played first quarter and taking a nine point lead to the locker room at half, the Brookhaven Academy Lady Cougars took control in the third quarter and opened up the scoring margin en route to a 51 – 28 victory over the Central Private Lady Rebels.

“We missed some easy shots early and CP did a good job staying in the game in the first half,” said BA Coach Mack Gardner. “We were able convert some possessions early in the third and get some stops allowing us to stretch out the lead and pick up the win.”

Hillary Wilson led the Lady Cougars with 11 points. Lindsey Winborne and Marlee Watts each had nine points on the evening for BA. Anna Smith pulled down 7 rebounds for the Lady Cougars.

Shana Romero directed the Lady Rebels in scoring with 14 points.

Brookhaven Acad. 59, Central Private 26 

The BA Cougars came out firing on all cylinders as they roasted the Rebels 39-13 in the first half.

In the second half, BA turned off the offensive flood gates but still continued to overpower the Rebels with a 20-13 run to secure the win.

Brookhaven Academy (10-2) had four players to score in double figures. Senior guard Zac Smith led the charge with 16 points and five rebounds. Drake Flowers fueled the flames with 11 points. Peyton Hood and Ethan Harris provided 10 points apiece.