MONTICELLO – There are no superstars on the Lawrence Countyvarsity boys basketball team but the Cougars have plenty ofquickness and team chemistry, especially the guards. Nick Mikellscored 18 points and Dairius Starks 13 as the Cougars whippedBrookhaven’s Panthers 74-55 Friday night in a Division 6-4Ashowdown.

Lawrence County improved its record to 9-1 overall and 1-0 indivision play. Brookhaven, losing its second straight game, fell to11-3 and 0-1.

Lawrence County hosts neighboring Prentiss Tuesday night.Brookhaven is at Loyd Star Thursday night.

“Lawrence County’s guards did a tremendous job shooting the balland making good decisions,” said Brookhaven head coach PrestonWilson. “They got a good start, made some easy baskets andcapitalized on our turnovers.”

Wilson saw his Panthers trailing 23-13 at the quarter and 38-23at halftime. Mikell and Starks each had 9 points at halftime.

A first-quarter, crowd-pleasing, alley-oop slam dunk by LawrenceCounty post player Tim Horton ignited the crowd. He finished with11 points and 8 rebounds.

“We have a bunch of younguns who play well together,” saidLawrence County boys head coach Bobby Lee. “They are unselfish.”Five Cougars scored in double digits.

In the third quarter, Lee watched his team’s lead dwindle to 6points, 44-38, when Panther guard Fred Mackabee sack a reverselayup with 1:07 showing. The Cougars got quick field goals fromStarks and Horton to cool Brookhaven’s rally.

In the final frame, the Cougars zoomed to a 17-point, 59-42advantage on Horton’s 3-point play. Brookhaven trailed 59-42 with5:08 left on the clock.

“Lawrence County plays aggressive basketball and we are notdoing the fundamental things right,” said Wilson. “They got toomany easy shots.”

The Panthers realized a game-high 16 points from senior centerCorey Bryant. Senior guard Matt Fitzsimmons sacked 12 points andMackabee 10.

Lawrence County got 10 points and 8 rebounds from muscular JerrySims. Steve Atterberry accounted for 10 points, 6 assists and 3steals.

In the JV game, Lawrence County (5-0) remained undefeated as theCougars beat Brookhaven 45-41, led by Jason Snell’s 16 points.Derick Allen scored 16 points for Brookhaven.