McCOMB – Directed by guard Kelli Byrd’s 19-point outburst, theBrookhaven Academy Lady Cougars whipped Central Private’s LadyRebels 54-41 Tuesday night in the semifinals for the ParklaneThanksgiving Tournament. Byrd also had 4 assists, 4 rebounds and 2steals as the Lady Cougars remained unbeaten in 11 games.

The Lady Cougars (11-0) play Parklane tonight at 6:45 in thetitle game. Parklane (4-5) beat Kemper Academy 53-41 last night inthe other semifinals game.

Brookhaven Academy head coach Barry Gray said he was pleasedwith his team’s defensive effort against a strong Central Privatesquad which was led by 5-11 standout senior center SamanthaKirkwood. A Division I recruit, she accounted for 21 points beforefouling out late in the third quarter.

“Our guards did a good job getting the ball inside to AnnaGatlin,” said Gray. Gatlin, BA’s senior center, accounted for 12points and 8 rebounds, getting Kirkwood in early foul trouble.

Guard Lauren Smith followed Gatlin with 12 points and 7rebounds. Jessie Altman added 6 points and 4 rebounds as the LadyCougars took a 29-22 halftime lead.

Junior High Results

Brookhaven Academy (10-1) beat Kemper Academy 42-31 in thejunior high game, powered by Emily Langley’s 16 points and 17rebounds. Maddie Allen added 10 points and 7 rebounds. Alex Grantgrabbed 8 rebounds. Holly Case scored 8 points and had 7boards.

The Lady Cougars play Parklane at 5:30 in the junior highfinals.

Brookhaven Academy 54, Central Private 41

Central (41) Samantha Kirkwood 21, Pears 6, St. Kirkwood 4,Pocorello 4, Landry 2, R. Newman 2.

Brookhaven (54) Kelli Byrd 19, Gatlin 12, Altman 6, Williams 5,Smith 12.

Total fouls: Central 20. Brookhaven 11. Fouled out-Sam.Kirkwood

Free Throws M-A: Central 7-10. Brookhaven 16-26.

3-point goals: Brookhaven 2 (Smith, Williams).