GALLMAN — Brookhaven Academy junior high girl’s coach BarryGray knew he would have to a strong performance from his teamThursday night as they battled Copiah for the District 6-AAtournament championship. The Lady Colonels had defeated the LadyCougars in both meetings this year, needing overtime to beatBrookhaven by 6 just two weeks ago.

As it turns out, that spark Gray was looking for came from themost unlikely of candidates. Seventh graders Laura Beth Wrightscored a game high 17 points and pulled down 9 rebounds as the LadyCougars avenged the earlier defeats to Copiah with a 47-30 win. TheLady Cougars clinched the district title for the seventh time inthe last eleven years.

Wright went 11-14 from the free throw line to propel the Cougarsto a 20-10 half time lead. Anna Katelyn Mangold added 11 points and12 rebounds in support of Wright. Terah Winborne scored 10 pointsand had three steals.

“Our team adjusted well to the changes we had to make for thisgame.” said Gray. “They executed the game plan very well.”

“Rebounding was the key.” added Gray. “I can’t say enough abouthow proud I am of these girls. This was our best game of the year.It’s a great finish to a great season.”

Ryan Parker led Copiah with 8 points. Rachel Strait added 7points and Madelon Cline was able to score 6 points for the LadyColonels.

Brookhaven 44, Copiah 34

Brookhaven Academy’s junior high boys had little resistancethroughout their season, winning all 20 of the games on theirschedule. But the District 6-AA championship game against Copiahproved to be the toughest of the year.

Brookhaven jumped out to a 17-9 lead after one quarter, but theColonels responded, outscoring the Cougars 12-2 in the second frameto take a 21-19 lead in to half time.

Brookhaven answered with a 25-13 advantage in the second half,propelling the Cougars to a 44-34 win for the district title

Jamison Powell scored a game high 15 points as the Cougarsfinished a perfect 21-0 on the season. Tripp Jolly added 11 pointsto help wrap up the perfect season.

“Our guys adjusted well in the second half.” said Brookhavencoach Dale Watts. “We made some mistakes and that cost us, but wedid what we had to do to win the game. I’m proud of this team. Theydeserve it.”

Bryce Guess scored 14 points to lead Copiah. Rob Pyron added 8points for the Colonels.