Forward Turner Havard pumped in a game-high 21 points to leadhost Brookhaven Academy in a 58-55 Saturday night win over SimpsonCounty Academy in the finals of the Holiday InvitationalTournament. Havard, a 6-foot-5 senior, also led off the backboardswith eight rebounds.

This was the first time the host Cougars to win their owntournament since Coach Dale Watts has been at BrookhavenAcademy.

‘Simpson County is very good,” said Watts following the win. “Wedidn’t play the up-tempo like game but we found a way to win.”

Brookhaven (13-4) dominated most of the first quarter until apair of quick baskets helped Simpson (10-7) trim the deficit to15-14 at the end of the first quarter.

In second-quarter action, the Brookhaven managed to maintain athree-point lead most the time until Simpson’s Zac Baldwin andStephen Yelverton put together back-to -back baskets in the finalminute to give the visitors a 26-24 lead at the half.

Brookhaven’s 17-14 run in the third quarter gave them aone-point, 41-40 lead going into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, Brookhaven marched out to an 11-point,55-44 lead with 3:39 left to play. Simpson got a three pointerapiece from Baldwin and Yelverton to close the deficit to 55-50with 1:51 remaining. With 15 seconds left on the clock, Havardnailed two free throws to give Brookhaven a three-point, 58-55lead. Simpson missed a desperation three-pointer and Brookhaven gotthe rebound to secure the win.

Adding support to the Brookhaven win with 18 points and sixrebounds was Paul Coker. Ben Davis fired in 14 points and made foursteals.

Yelverton led Simpson County with 20 points. Baldwin finishedwith 15 points. Following with 12 points was Kris Korba.

Watts was appreciative of the his team’s decision making. “Wemade some good decisions in a slow-paced game. The guys overcame.We won.”

Brookhaven will host Centreville Academy Thursday for fourgames. The junior high girls begin play at 4 p.m.

Brookhaven Academy 58, Simpson 55

Simpson (55) Stephen Yelverton 20, Duckworth 6, Korba12, Baldwin 15, Smith 2.

Brookhaven (58) Turner Havard 21, Sessums 2, Coker 18,Davis 14, Craig Smith 3.

Total fouls: Brookhaven 13. Simpson 12. Fouled out-None.Technicals-None.

Free throws M-A: Brookhaven 7-15. Simpson5-7.

3-point goals: Yelverton 2, Craig Smith, Baldwin,Korba.

Simpson County 14 12 14 15 – 55

Brookhaven Acad. 15 9 17 17 – 58