McCOMB – The Brookhaven Panthers and the McComb Tigers showcasedtheir talents Wednesday night as basketball fans got an early peekin what to expect between two arearivals when district 5A playbegins.

The Tigers managed to capture the boys’ tournament title in a 49-47squeaker over Brookhaven in Day Three of the McComb HolidayClassic. The Panthers missed potential tying and game-winning shotsin the final seconds of the game.

In the girls’ championship game, the North Pike Lady Jaguarsclaimed a 75-65 victory over South Pike’s Lady Eagles in a battleof Pike County rivals.

In the early consolation games, the Amite County Lady Trojans edgedthe McComb Lady Tigers 39-35. In boys’ action, the South PikeEagles clawed through the Wildcats of Wilkinson County for a 69-58win.

The Panthers and Lady Panthers will enjoy the rest their Holidaybreak before returning to action Jan 4, as they travel to BogueChitto to face the Bobcats. Tipoff is set to begin with the girls’game at 6 p.m. followed by the boys.

McComb 49, Brookhaven 47

Senior Center Fred Fairman knocked down 13 point and grabbed 8rebounds to lead the Panthers (12-3).

“We hurt ourselves by not making our free throws when we neededthem,” said Brookhaven coach Preston Wilson. “My guys battled hardthroughout the game. McComb did a good job out rebounding us.Overall, it was a good, hard-fought game on both sides.”

Trevosity Ellzey tossed in 12 points to lead the Tigers (12-3) inscoring. Cavellis Luckett and Tradarrius Holloway contributed 10points apiece.

“Brookhaven did a very good job posting up in the paint and managedto put pressure on our guards,” said McComb coach Hilton Harrell.”We did managed to counter their pressure by getting some of theirplayers in early foul trouble. I was glad to see my guys fight hardto get the win. I expect to see this series to be a tough battlefor both teams when district starts.”

The Tigers led 25-19 at halftime and 32-31 entering fourthquarter.

North Pike 75, South Pike 65

Kayln Hughes had a game-high performance for the Lady Jaguars with22 points to lead all scorers. Maraya Quinn knocked down 19 pointsand Adianna Patterson added 16.

The South Pike Lady Eagles were led by three players who scored 14points apiece: LaDestine Gordon, Akayla Powell and Milesha McNulty.Jamayn Carter chipped in with 13 points.

Amite County 39, McComb 35

Tydesheia Pool was the leading scorer for the Lady Trojans with 9points.

Angelina Earl pumped in 11 points to lead the Lady Tigers.

South Pike 69, Wilkinson County 58

The Eagles of South Pike had four players to score in doublefigures: Daquerius Bullock 19, Wallace Brumfield 17, DeAngeloColeman 14, and Devonta Cook 11.

Devin Fosselman was the leading scorer for the Wildcats with 15points. Devin Voochies contributed 10 points.