The Brookhaven Academy Cougars had their hands full Friday nightagainst a determined Simpson Academy team in John R. GrayGymnasium. Simpson was trying to avenge a setback to Brookhaven onDec. 14 on their home floor, but BA put four players in doublefigures en route to a 57-44 victory over Simpson.

Josh Winborne scored a team-high 12 points and pulled down 5rebounds to lead Brookhaven as the Cougars improved to 12-4 overalland 4-1 in District 4-AA play. Blaine Roberts and Corey Dickersoneach scored 11 points and Sawyer Wallace added 10 points insupport.

Senior guard Betsy Lynch exploded for 17 first half points andthe BA Lady Cougars never looked back as they cruised to an easy66-37win over Simpson.

“It’s a good district win.” said Brookhaven Academy boys coachDale Watts. “It wasn’t pretty at times but we did what we had to doto win. There are still plenty of things we need to work on.”

Brookhaven held a slim 28-24 lead at the half, but exploded inthe third quarter to take a 45-28 lead in to the fourth quarter.Simpson battle back in the final frame, getting to within 8 pointsof Brookhaven at 50-42 with two minutes to go but the Cougarssealed the deal with pressure defense and clutch free throwshooting down the stretch.

Jordan Ainsworth scored a game-high 13 points to lead Simpson.Corey Williamson followed with 9 points and Justin Purvis was ableto score 8 points in support.

Brookhaven 66, Simpson 37

Anna Katelyn Mangold, Kelli Snider and Kellie Brady each scored11 points in support of Lynch as Coach Barry Gray was able tosubstitute early and often as the Lady Cougars improved to 17-2overall and 4-1 in district play.

Lynch and Hannah Watts each dished out 5 assists. Landen Peairspulled down 6 rebounds.

Christa Smith scored 11 points to lead Simpson. Marli Mullinsfollowed with 8 points.

In junior high girls action, Sara Beth Wilsonscored a game high 16 points to lead Brookhaven to a 38-16 win overSimpson. Mary Lindsey Magee followed with 11 points as the LadyCougars improved to a perfect 16-0 on the season.

Kasey Williams and Hallie Stubbs each scored 4 points to leadSimpson.