The Brookhaven Academy Cougars and Lady Cougars made their firsthome appearance of the 2004-05 season Saturday night, hosting ClassAAA power Jackson Academy in John R. Gray Gymnasium. In what isconsidered to be a rebuilding season, the Cougars fell 50-47 to theRaiders in overtime. The Lady Cougars continued their defense ofthe MPSA Overall title, pounding the Lady Raiders 56-32.

The Cougars (1-1), coached by Dale Watts, were able to maintainthe lead throughout the game, jumping on the Raiders early andcarrying a 26-24 lead into the locker room at the half. Jackson wasable to come back an tie the game up late on three-point shots bySteven Blevens and Perry Taylor. The Raiders were able to outscoreBrookhaven 6-3 in the overtime period to secure the win.

“We put ourselves in a position to win a couple of times,” saidCoach Watts. “We had chances and didn’t convert on them. I can’tsay enough about our effort. The kids played their hearts out andworked extremely hard. That’s all I can ask from them.”

Jeremy Winborne led the Cougars with 19 points and threeassists. Seth Davis added 13 points and seven rebounds. Alan Grayadded 11 points.

“This game was a credit to Coach Watts and the type of teams hehas,” said JA Coach Bill Ball. “We had to struggle to get out ofhere with a win. His team never gave up. Brookhaven has a greatteam and I think they are a team to be reckoned with in ClassAA.

Steven Blevins led JA with 18 points. Rob Puckett added 10 forthe defending Overall Boys Champion.

The Lady Cougars (5-0), coached by Barry Gray,jumped out early, scoring the first 10 points of the game and neverlooking back, nailing 71 percent of their shots in the first half.The Lady Cougars carried a 40-12 lead into halftime

“Jackson has a very good half-court defense and we werefortunate enough to never really allow them to set up theirdefense,” said Gray. “We shot the ball extremely well at the startof the game and it was like a snowball effect. Everything went ourway after that.”

Center Kristian Davidson led Brookhaven with 19 points and threerebounds. Kelli Byrd added 18 points and 5 rebounds. Byrd also hadeight steals and four assists.

Jackson Academy was led by Carissa Bacon who had eight points.Collins Johnson added six points for the Lady Raiders.

“Brookhaven played as well as I have ever seen them play as longas I have been coaching against Barry (Gray),” said Lady RaidersCoach Jan Sojourner. “Anytime you shoot the ball as well as theydid, it’s tough for anyone to beat you.

“I was really impressed with Davidson in the post,” addedSojourner. “She made a lot of good moves and was able to score onthe offensive end. She gave us a lot of trouble on the defensiveend. She’s a good player.”