Revenge was a motivational factor for the Brookhaven AcademyCougars Monday night as they smashed the visitors from SimpsonCounty 74-50, powered by Jake Reed and Blaine Roberts who scored24-20 points respectively. It avenged a 73-69 overtime loss atSimpson Jan. 9.

In the varsity girls game, Brookhaven Academy blitzed thevisitors 64-37, directed by Anna Katelyn Mangold’s 19 points and 8rebounds.

Brookhaven Academy hosts McComb Parklane tonight in John R. GrayGymnasium.

The BA Cougars (18-5 6-1), coached by Dale Watts, roared to a39-22 halftime lead over Simpson. Guard Jamison Powell added 10points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals to the victory.

Reed was best on the backboards with 11 rebounds to his credit.He also had 6 assists. Roberts had 6 rebounds.

Watts saw his team outrebound Simpson 39-24.

“I challenged our guys,” said Coach Watts. “If neither of uslost another district game, we would be tied. We needed to beatthem.”

Simpson had won by four points in the last meeting. The pointspread would determine the district champion if both teams hadidentical district records.

“We rebounded well and picked up the tempo,” said Watts. “Wehave to capitalize when we have an opportunity to get an easybasket.”

Simpson got 17 points from Jordan Ainsworth and 13 from JustinGriffen.

The BA Lady Cougars (21-4, 7-0), raced to a 40-13 halftime leadover Simpson, allowing Coach Barry Gray to begin clearing hisbench.

Freshman forward Laura Beth Wright collected 9 points and 9rebounds in the victory. Classmate Terah Winborne had 6 steals and3 assists.

Simpson 13 points from Christa Smith. Mary Francis Stephens had5 rebounds.