COLUMBIA – A Columbia Academy free-throw attempt bounced off therim and the Brookhaven Academy Cougars escaped with a shaky 52-51Saturday night win in the championship finals of the District 4-AATournament. The BA Cougars remained undefeated in 26 games,overcoming a hostile, partisan crowd.

In the girls title test, Brookhaven Academy shut downPresbyterian Christian School of Hattiesburg 40-20, powered bysenior center Anna Gatlin’s 17 points.

Brookhaven 52, Columbia 51

Brookhaven senior forward Craig Smith broke a 51-all tie withsix seconds left when he made his first of two free throws asBrookhaven held on to secure the division title. Seconds earlier,Jimmy Latham nailed a three-pointer that gave Brookhaven a 51-49lead . Columbia came back with 25 seconds left to play to hit afield goal and tie the game.

“The kids did a good job,” said Brookhaven Academy boys coachDale Watts. “It was loud. The kids played in a hostileenvironment.” Watts said during his timeouts, he had to take histeam to center court for them to hear his instructions.

Leading Brookhaven with 16 points, seven rebounds, two stealsand two assists was Alex Davis. Smith finished with 11 points,three assists and two steals. Latham netted 10 points and collectedfive rebounds. Alan Oster grabbed six rebounds.

Thomas Gray paced Columbia with 15 points.

Brookhaven 40, PCS 20

Mallory Logan chipped in 10 points. Lauren Smith made 4 assists.Logan, Kelli Byrd and Jessie Altman each 3 assists. Smith andAltman each had 2 steals.

Representing Brookhaven on the All-District team are Gatlin,Smith and Logan. This was the sixth straight year for Brookhaven towin the district championship.

“It was our best defensive game of the year,” said BrookhavenAcademy girls coach Barry Gray. “We made them go one for five fromthe 3-point line. They are a great 3-point shooting team.”

The Lady Bobcats didn’t score in the fourth quarter until lessthan a minute remained, sacking a long trey.

Gray said his Lady Cougars would play either Tuesday orWednesday in the South State AA Tournament at Central Hinds inRaymond. They will play the loser of the Central Hinds-Prairie Viewgame out of District 3-AA.

“It’s been a real joy coaching this fine group of Christianyoung ladies,” said Gray. “They handle winning with class. Theyhave a humble spirit.”

The Lady Cougars climbed to 33-1 on the season.