Brookhaven Academy started fast, controlled the tempo anddefeated the McComb Parklane Academy Pioneers Friday night in thechampionship finals of the Cougars’ Holiday InvitationalTournament. Directing the victory were center Seth Davis and guardKurt Perkins with 12 points each.

In the girls championship game, Parklane (14-1) defeated Marvell(Ark.) 44-32, handing the Lady Eagles their first loss in 18games.

The Cougars (15-1) were led on the backboardsby Jeremy Winborne with 11 rebounds plus 10 points and 2 steals.Davis had 3 rebounds. Alan Gray and T-Boy Lynch each made 4assists.

Parklane center Tyler Cunningham led all scorers with 20points.

Brookhaven went to a press offense in the second half and setthe pace. From 6:06 down to 45 seconds left in the third quarter,Brookhaven maintained possession of the basketball.

“My plan was to make Parklane come out and guard us,” said BAcoach Dale Watts. “Tyler Cunningham was killing us in thelane.”

Watts said he appreciated the enthusiastic fan support.”Brookhaven fans are second to none. We got the win and that’s whatcounted.”

The Pioneers fell to 11-2 with the setback. Their fans howledand screamed at Brookhaven’s patient offense.

“We were dead because Brookhaven ran so much,” said Parklanecoach Ricky Gray. “Brookhaven forced the ball up the court.

“We were tired in the second half,” added Gray. “It was a goodenvironment for basketball. Brookhaven is among the top two orthree teams in the state.”

It was a successful title defense for the Cougars. Parklane’sonly other loss came at the hands of Madison-Ridgeland Academy.

In the consolation games, the Bowling Green girls beat CentralPrivate 54-45 and the Marshall boys beat Copiah 57-41.

Brookhaven Academy resumes play Jan. 3, 2006, going to OakForest in Amite, La.