NATCHEZ — Brookhaven Academy’s Lady Cougars roared through thefirst round of the AA South State Tournament Wednesday afternoon asthey whipped the Riverfield (La.) Academy Lady Raiders 71-31 andimprove their record to 31-1 on the season.

Guard Mallory Logan and center Kristian Davidson each scored 12points and Kelli Byrd added 10 as the Lady Cougars advance to playCentral Hinds in Friday’s semifinal round.

“We played well,” said Brookhaven coach Barry Gray. “It was goodto get all my players playing time.

“(Riverfield) couldn’t handle our press at all. They didn’t haveany shots in the first four minutes of the game and you can’t winlike that.”

Byrd added 5 steals and Lauren Smith dished out 6 assists asGray was able to substitute freely throughout the game.

“Brookhaven is the best team I’ve ever seen,” said Riverfieldcoach Cleo Head. “Our team is young, but you find out where youstand when you play a team as good as Brookhaven. Their defense wasamazing, We couldn’t do anything on the offensive end. They’re agreat team.”

Emilee Trisler led Riverfield with 8 points as the Lady Raidersended their season at 21-10.

In other tournament action, Adams Christian defeated SillimanInstitute 47-31 in girls action.

In the boys bracket, Prairie View topped Columbia 57-50 andTrinity Episcopal edged Adams Christian 47-45.

Both Brookhaven teams resume play Friday as the Lady Cougarsface Central Hinds at 1 p.m. The Cougars will face Copiah Academyat 6 p.m.