The Brookhaven Panthers and Lady Panthers returned from the holidays to sweep the Bogue Chitto Bobcats Tuesday night in Sin Claire

Gymnasium. In the girls game, the Lady Panthers managed to hold on at the end and defeat the Lady Cats 58-54.

     In the boys actions, the Panthers used their size and depth to overwhelm the Bobcats for a 70-40 victory.

     Brookhaven continues action Friday as the Panthers and Lady Panthers begin Region 3-5A action. They host the McComb Tigers. The girls game tips off at 6 p.m., followed by the boys.

     Bogue Chitto resumes action Friday. They start their race in Region 7-1A on the road at Piney Woods. The girls are set to begin at 6 p.m., followed by the boys.

Brook 58, Bogue Chitto 54

     Basketball fans watched a tough, physical battle between two Lincoln County teams. The Lady Cats (16-3, 1-0) came out strong and quick to take a 17-12 lead in the first quarter.

     In the second quarter, the Lady Panthers (16-5, 2-0) fought back by using their size to take a 29-27 lead into halftime. In the second half, Brookhaven continued to overpowered the Lady Cats and increase their lead to 44-34 after three quarters of action.

     Senior center Carey Crozier pumped in a game-high double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Panthers. Center Archea Brotherns also showcased a strong performance withn12 points and 11 rebounds.

     “We were very sluggish coming back from the holiday break,” said BHS coach Freda Craft. “Bogue Chitto came ready to play. The girls did a great job

fighting to stay in the game. Toward the end, we managed to regain our focus and made the plays needed to get the win.”

     Junior forward Mattie Avants was the offensive leader for the Lady Cats with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Freshmen guard Zariah Matthews contributed 12 points and 6 rebounds.

     “We played really well and hustled the whole game,” said BC coach Christi Terrell. “The girls gave a good effort. We could not catch a break during the game. We missed too many free throws and some shots that would help in the long run.

      “Brookhaven is a good 5A team,” continued Terrell. “Hopefully, this game will help us get ready for district. Overall, I am very proud of the girls.”

Brook 70, Bogue Chitto 40

     The Panthers (12-9, 0-2) provided an offensive scoring spree for their Ole Brook fans as they roared to  a 33-7 lead in the first quarter and coasted to a 48-16 lead at halftime.

     In the second half, Bogue Chitto was fired up and outscored the Panthers 24-22, but Brookhaven’s lead was too much for the Bobcats to overcome.

     Lonnie Lenoir was the top scorer for the Panthers with 14 points. Khalil Newton netted 12 points and Lazorian McNulty had 11.

     Darrian Wilson and Newton were the leaders on the boards with 5 rebounds

apiece.

     “This was a good win coming back from the holidays,” said BHS coach Preston Wilson. “We shot the ball really well in the first half. Overall, we still have a lot of things to work on to get ready for our district race.”

     Senior Germie Marin directed the Bobcats with 15 points. Dennis Rogers contributed 10 points.

     The Bobcats (3-15, 1-0) are coached by Gareth Sartin.