The Brookhaven Panthers opened their season with a bang Saturdaynight as both girls and boys varsity teams won over cross countyrival Franklin County. The Lady Panthers dusted the Lady Dawgs65-36, while the Panthers overwhelmed Franklin 57-45 in SinclairGymnasium

The Lady Panthers (1-0) raced to an early 16-3 advantage afterone period. At halftime the Lady Panthers held a 31-14 command. Inthe third frame the Lady Dawgs went to their junior small forwardDedire Gant for answers, but the Lady Panthers found one of theirown in Ayana Tillman for a 47-19 lead. Tillman led all scorers with18 points and Anna Autman netted 15 for Coach Ronald Gill’steam.

The Lady Panthers ended the night with a six point run fromShamika Gilmore as they claimed their first victory of the season.Gilmore finished with 12 points

“Brookhaven flat out beat us,” said Franklin County head coachAlbert Cain. “Everytime we moved the ball, we made a mistake. Ijust hope we can improve before the region schedule starts.”

Cain’s ladies lost four seniors off last years team, includingOle Miss signee and The Daily Leader’s All-Area 2001 Player of theYear, Carletta Brown.

The Panthers (1-0) used the services of senior forward FredMackabee to set the tempo of the game. Mackabee led the Pantherswith 16 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. Mackabee alsosparked the Panther attack with six dunks. His latter one, a midairreverse in the fourth, all but sealed the door shut on theDawgs.

“It’s good to get the win,” said first year Brookhaven coach DanPresley. “Franklin County came to play and that caused us a fewproblems.”

Leading the Dawgs was senior forward Jeffrey Graves with 18points and four rebounds.

The Panthers next play at West Lincoln Monday night, while theBulldogs travel the highly ranked Natchez Tuesday.