Brookhaven and West Lincoln took a break from the long footballseason to play Monday night basketball in West Lincoln’s Jack CaseGymnasium. Brookhaven dominated the varsity twinbill as the LadyPanthers cruised to a 49-35 victory and the Panthers roared to a70-47 win over the Bears. West Lincoln won a preliminary juniorvarsity girls game 40-36.

West Lincoln, coached by Andy Smithie, resumes play tonight inJackson at MSD. Brookhaven visits Crystal Springs Thursdaynight.

The Lady Panthers (2-0) used their superior height and depth tooverpower West Lincoln last night. Directing the victory was centerShameka Gilmore with 14 points in three quarters of playingtime.

Brookhaven, coached by Ronald Gill, held a narrow 21-19 halftimelead. The Lady Panthers put the defensive lid on West Lincoln inthe third quarter and the hosts only managed a 3-point goal byguard Dana King who finished with 15 points. They outscored WestLincoln 14-3.

“We spread it (defense) out and dared them to take it inside,”said Gill. “West Lincoln has a solid 1A team.”

On the backboards, Ayana Tillman led Brookhaven with 10rebounds. Playmaker Aneidra Stanton dished out 5 assists.

West Lincoln (3-1), absorbing its first loss, got 9 reboundsfrom Hanna Johnson and Holli Bass.

The Panthers (2-0) used their strength, height, depth andquickness to overpower the Bears last night. Senior forward FredMackabee led Brookhaven with 16 points and 21 rebounds. LazericPerkins added 15 rebounds and Jasper Hall 10.

Brookhaven owned a 37-19 halftime advantage and the Pantherscaused 22 West Lincoln turnovers.

“West Lincoln is down a little bit this year and we happen tohave 12 who can play,” said Brookhaven coach Dan Presley. “The WestLincoln boys didn’t quit and they played hard.

“I’m happy West Lincoln is playing us,” continued Presley. “LoydStar won’t schedule us.”

Both teams are minus some players due to the football season.Senior guard Cody Mitchell will rejoin the West Lincoln team afterThursday night’s season finale.

The Bears (2-2) got 14 points and 8 rebounds from forward SamCollins last night. Center Luke Lofton added 12 points and 8rebounds. Brooks Smith sacked 10 points.

“We played a bigger and stronger team tonight,” said WestLincoln coach Andy Smithie.

In the JV game, Alicia Kennedy led West Lincoln’s victory with10 points. Brookhaven got a game-high 17 points from ChiquitaRancifer.