FLORA — Brookhaven Academy’s varsity boys began their Class AAState title defense Tuesday night as the Cougars traveled to Florato face Tri-County Academy. Brookhaven fans weren’t sure what toexpect after the loss of guard T-Boy Lynch, who averaged nearly 25points a game and graduated last May. Lynch was the only starterlost off of last year’s team.

After a sluggish start offensively, Brookhaven coach Dale Wattsused his patented pressure defense to help the Cougars top theRebels 68-31, handing the hosts their first loss of the youngseason.

Brookhaven guard Blaine Roberts scored a team-high 16 points tolead the Cougars who have lost only 4 of their last 67 games. Theyare 3-time defending state champions.

“We played well defensively.” said Watts. “We didn’t shoot the ballwell and we made some mistakes offensively, but we kept puttingpressure on them. I was proud of how we played on the defensiveside of the ball.”

Sawyer Wallace followed with 14 points and Josh Winborne and JakeReed each added to points to propel Brookhaven. Jameson Powellpulled down 13 rebounds and Daniel Lofton added eight rebounds forthe Cougars. Winborne and Powell each added 5 steals.

Derek Williams scored a game-high 18 points to lead the Rebels.

In junior high boys action, Chandler Rogers scored16 points to lead Brookhaven to a 70-43 whipping of the Rebels.Myles Melancon and Brennan Miller each scored 10 points.

Allen Campbell sacked a game-high 21 points for the Rebels.

The Cougars host Centreville Academy Saturday.