BROOKHAVEN – The Brookhaven Academy Cougars lived up to theirmotto by doing whatever it takes to win as they managed to hold offthe Leake Academy Rebels 55-49 Wednesday night in the semifinals ofBrookhaven Academy Holiday Classic Tournament at John R. GrayGymnasium.

In the other boys’ semifinals, the Central Private Rebels ralliedin the fourth quarter and withstood two overtimes to edged theTrinity Saints 69-68 in a classic battle.

In the boys’ consolation game, the Oak Forest Yellow Jacketsbattled the Parklane Pioneers into overtime and prevail54-52.

Tournament action continues today with four boys’ games. Three ofthe four games will be consolation games starting at 1:20 p.m. withEast Rankin versus Bowling Green. The Kirk Academy Raiders battlesMarshall at 2:40. The Trinity Saints faces Leake at 5:20

The Brookhaven Academy Cougars meet Central Private in the boyschampionship at 8.

BA 55, Leake 49

The Cougars (7-4) overcame a rugged fourth quarter by makingfree throws down the stretch as the Leake Rebels battle back andcut down BA lead to two-points with two minutes left in thegame.

Junior forward Brennan Miller shot a game-high 18 points to leadthe Cougars. Sidney Chaffin and Brock Smith contributed 10 pointsapiece. Smith crashed the board for 9 rebounds and Chaffin grabbed6 rebounds. Chandler Rogers was the leader on the boards with 12rebounds.

“I was very proud of the guys on how well they stepped up and founda way to win the game in the closing minutes,” said BA coach DaleWatts. “We need to play these types of games to prepare ourselvesfor tough district games.”

Wesley Webb was the top scorer for the Rebels (7-3) with 14points.

“We got off to a slow start,” said Leake coach Phil Sheppard.”Brookhaven Academy came out with a lot of energy and tookadvantage of our early mistakes. The guys fought back the wholegame, but we just fell short at the end against a good team.”

Oak Forest 54, Parklane 52, OT

Drew Misita pumped in a game-high 21 points for the Jackets.Blake Carter added 12 points.

The Pioneers got 13 points apiece from Richie Mill and ZachStutzman.

C. Private 69, Trinity 68, 2OT

Jake Flaggert knocked down 21 points to lead the Rebels. TaylorFletcher contributed 18 points. Simpson Anderson added 10points.

The Saints of Trinity were guided by four players who scored indouble digits. Tip McKenzie led the way with 23 points. GiovanniDent provided 14 points. Kent King chipped in 13 points and TannerCage had 11.