GRENADA — The Brookhaven Academy Cougars captured their fourthstraight MPSA State AA boys championship Saturday night with a63-54 win over the Natchez Trinity Episcopal Saints at KirkAcademy. For BA coach Dale Watts, it’s his fifth state title atBA.

The Cougars improved their record to 26-8 and will play nextweek in the MPSA Overall Tournament at Mississippi College inClinton. Trinity fell to 32-4 overall and also plays next week.

Named to the AA All-State Tournament Team from Brookhaven wereCorey Dickerson, Blaine Roberts and Daniel Lofton.

In the game for third place, Bowling Green beat ColumbiaAcademy.

“I can’t say enough about these kids,” praised Watts followingthe win. “Basketball is a game of teamwork and momentum. They did agreat job. We tried to stay focused and stay the course. They did agreat job.”

Powering the Cougars with a game-high 28 points was senior CoreyDickerson. Blaine Roberts fired in 15 points followed by SawyerWallace with 10 points and 3 assists. Daniel Lofton led off thebackboards with 8 rebounds and had 7 assists. Josh Winborne pulleddown 4 rebounds.

Watts complimented Lofton on his contributions.

“They all had their parts,” explained Watts. “Daniel is ourquarterback. He has done a tremendous job. I’m just extremelyproud.”

Trinity coach Dave King was complimentary of Brookhaven afterthe loss.

“It was two great teams going at it,” said King. “And that isthe way a state championship is supposed to be. Unfortunately, itdid not go our way.”

Watts was pleased with his seniors performance tonight.

“We didn’t have a good week last week,” stated Watts, after histeam finished fourth in South State. “I had a meeting with theseniors last week. You are only as good as your seniors. They keptit up tonight.

“We beat the best teams in the tournament,” continued Watts. “Wethought we had a good game plan. They came through with what we hadto do to win. We got beat in some areas.

“Corey Dickerson would not be denied and Sawyer Wallace had thebest game of the year. “

Watts appreciated the loyal support from the Brookhaven’s firedup and faithful fans. “The Brookhaven Nation , the sixth man, hasreally stepped up. It’s a community and a family that loves thisgame.

Lincoln County basketball is loved. It is good basketball there.These guys just came up and did a tremendous job.”

The Cougars came out for an 16-12 lead in the first quarter andpushed their advantage over the Saints to 32-27 at the half.

Trinity briefly took the lead once in the fourth quarter butBrookhaven roared back to regain the lead and held on for the win.The Cougars led 32-27 at halftime