MONTICELLO – Brittney Peyton and Ronisha Garner made sure theirfirst Division 6-4A test of the season would be successful. Theyeach scored 16 points in leading the Lawrence County Lady Cougarsto a 40-27 Friday night triumph over Brookhaven’s LadyPanthers.

Lawrence County hiked its record to 13-4 overall and 1-0 in thedivision. Brookhaven fell to 9-10 and 1-1, continuing a downwardtailspin after an 8-2 start this season.

Lawrence County head coach Archie Ross was delighted to gain avictory over an archrival in a designated division game. “This wasthe one that counted. We are happy to get this one.”

Ross said Garner’s offensive performance was important. “Ourshooters put up a couple for us,” including a pair of treys byGarner.

In the first half, Brookhaven pulled within 6 points, 22-16, onan 18-foot jumper by Mandy Vinson. Ross sent his team into aweaving, delay offense. Garner sacked back-to-back treys and theLady Cougars carried a 28-18 lead to the dressing room athalftime.

Peyton pumped in a trey at the start of the second half and theCougars led by 13 points, 31-18.

Brookhaven head coach Billy Holmes placed his team in ahalf-court trap defense but the Panthers were unable to capitalize.Lawrence County had 21 turnovers in the game but Brookhaven had 30,showing its alarming lack of a veteran ball-handler.

Holmes benched 6-foot senior center Ayana Tillman in the thirdquarter. Tillman was limited to 8 points and fellow post AnnaAutman scored 2 points.

“Our big people aren’t putting the ball in the bucket,” saidHolmes. “When our post people don’t score, we don’t win.”

Tillman had scored a season-high 27 points in Tuesday night’swin over Raymond.

Senior forward Shameka Gilmore, returning from a 1-gamesuspension, led Brookhaven with 9 points. She scored 4 of herteam’s final 6 points.

Kristina McCray led Brookhaven’s rebounding effort with 8boards.

The Cougars got 8 steals and 7 assists from Rhonda Warner.Jasmine Lewis had 5 rebounds.

Lawrence County’s victory avenged a 46-32 defeat at Brookhavenon Dec. 6. The Lady Cougars host Port Gibson Tuesday.