Portia Dickey didn’t let a tender left ankle slow her downFriday night. Brookhaven’s 5-10 junior forward scored a game-high16 points in leading the Lady Panthers to a 53-40 triumph over theMcComb Lady Tigers in Division 6-4A action.

“At first (ankle) was sore and I was nervous,” explained Dickey.”Then I forgot about it.”

Dickey tossed in 3 straight jumpers to start the second half,helping Ole Brook build a 34-16 lead. She also had 10 rebounds toher credit as the Lady Panthers improved their record to 8-15overall and 4-3 in the division race.

Dickey said the Lady Panthers had to respect McComb’s comebackcapabilities. “Coach (Billy Holmes) wanted us to come out and playlike we were down 15 or 20 points. We knew McComb could shoot thethrees.”

McComb (11-14, 4-4), coached by Carolyn Whitehead, reliesheavily on perimeter shooting. The Lady Tigers couldn’t find therange and suffered the consequences.

Brookhaven dominated the backboards, led by 6-1 freshmen postsSwayze Black and Nikki Byrd. Black finished with 11 points and 5rebounds. Byrd had 8 points and 5 boards. Sinitra Rivers added 7rebounds.

“Swayze played well and Byrd produced,” said Coach Holmes.”Ashley Leggett has been very valuable to us on our defense.”

Holmes said he was concerned about McComb’s full-court pressuredefense. “We knew they were going to press but we handled it prettygood as the game went on.”

The first half was ugly. The teams combined for 29 turnovers asthe Lady Panthers took a 26-11 halftime lead. Brookhaven had 16turnovers and McComb 13. The Lady Panthers had 13 more turnovers inthe second half but McComb never got untracked.

“We have been practicing on beating the press this week,” saidLeggett. “It feels good to beat McComb.”

Samantha Felder led the Lady Tigers with 13 points.

Brookhaven resumes play Tuesday night at Lawrence County for adivision doubleheader.