JACKSON — In the high school basketball competition, it isnearly impossible for a team to beat another one 3 times in aseason. The Lawrence County girls proved any doubters wrong Mondaynight in the opening round of the Division 6-4A Tournament. TheLady Cougars claimed a 46-25 win over the cold-shooting BrookhavenLady Panthers in Shellie M. Bailey Coliseum.

In Thursday’s girls semifinal round, No. 2 McComb takes on No.3-seed Mendenhall at 4 p.m., followed by No. 1 seed Forest Hill andLawrence Co. at 5:30 p.m.

All 4 semifinalists will advance to the opening round of theSouth State 4A girls tournament, which gets under way Monday, Feb.16.

The division tournament opening round concludes today with 3boys matchups. At 5 p.m., No. 3-seed McComb tackles No. 6 LawrenceCo. The 6:30 contest features No. 2-Port Gibson and No.7-Mendenhall. At 8, No. 4-Florence meets No. 5-Brookhaven.

Lawrence Co. 46, Brookhaven 25

LCHS defeated Brookhaven 49-42 last Friday in Monticello and38-35 in Brookhaven Jan. 9; thus sweeping the 2 regular seasoncontests.

“It’s hard to beat a team 3 times in a season,” said Lady Cougarhead coach Vicki Rutland. “It was a hard-fought game. I’m proud ofmy girls.”

Offensive power was a problem for both teams.

The Lady Panthers (10-14) shot only 13 percent (3 of 23) in theopening half, trailing 10-6 after one period and 18-12 at theintermission break. Free throw shooting (4 of 12) also aided in thefirst half scoring slump.

LCHS (15-11) did not fare much better in the first half. TheLady Cougars would get their scoring from inside the paint , making4 of 14. Rutland’s team opened the third frame by hitting 6 oftheir first 7 shots; extending their lead to 32-19 entering thefinal 8 minutes.

“Our shots did not fall tonight,” said Lady Panther head coachFreda Craft.

Rutland’s crew placed 3 players in double-figures, led seniorguard Candace Little’s 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 2assists. Samantha Showers and Tiaria Griffin pumped in 11 pointsapiece. Griffin had 7 rebounds and 4 assists, while Showers had 9rebounds. LCHS hit 41 percent (16 of 39) from the floor, and held a40-27 rebounding edge.

Senior Amber Dickey topped Ole Brook with 8 points, 5 rebounds,2 steals and 2 assists. Maleysia Burnett led off the backboard with6 rebounds. Kearra Collins had 2 assists. The Lady Panther hit 16percent (8 of 49) of their shots, and had 11 turnovers.