MERIDIAN — The Northeast Lauderdale Trojans survived a scareTuesday night, edging the Brookhaven Panthers 58-56 in the openinground of the South Mississippi Class 4A state playoffs. The Trojans(24-10), led by Kelvin Bramlett’s 22 points, held off a determinedBHS rally and advanced to Thursday’s quarterfinals.

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In other South 4A games, Forest Hill whipped South Jones 91-55,Port Gibson edged Wayne County 49-47, McComb dumped Quitman 61-54,Forest County AHS beat Bay St. Louis 48-41, St. Stanislaus sankVancleave 85-48, Picayune crushed Stone County 73-43 and Moss Pointwhipped Long Beach 76-49.

The Trojans led Brookhaven 33-29 at halftime. They carried a45-35 lead into the fourth quarter.

“They came out pretty hot shooting the basketball and we weredown 19-6,” said BHS coach Ronald Hines. “We got some questionablecalls down the stretch.

Hines said a BHS field goal was canceled when the referee ruledthe basketball hit the top of the backboard in the last minute ofplay. “The ball bounced high off the rim and bounced in,” saidHines. “They (officials) waved off that shot in the late going. Theball didn’t hit the cable. There was nothing moving.”

Senior guard Charles (Bobo) Rancifer led all scorers with 28points. Senior forward Simmie Yarborough chipped in 11 points.

Hines said his team overcame a slow start and played hard.”Charles (Rancifer) had an outstanding game. “We lose four seniorsbut we have three starters returning. That’s a bright spot for ourfuture.”

The Panthers finish 15-18.