The Dexter Bulldogs helped Brookhaven Academy make history Tuesday night in John R. Gray Gymnasium. In a first-ever meeting between MHSAA member Dexter and MAIS flagship Brookhaven Academy, the powerful Bulldogs handed the Cougars their first loss to a public school team, winning 64-44.

     In the varsity girls game, the Lady Cougars dominated Dexter 51-24, fueled by full-court pressure defense. Madison Warren sacked 13 points and Marlee Watts 11 in the victory.

     Both BA teams are entered in the Jackson Academy New Year’s Classic. The  boys play Hillcrest Christian Thursday at 4 and 5:15 p.m. On Saturday, they meet JA at 7 and 8:15 p.m.

     The Cougars (13-5) and Bulldogs (14-2) huddled for a moment of prayer at midcourt after the game.  It was a peaceful change of pace from the intense, hard-fought game.

     Dexter held a slim 16-14 lead at the end of the first quarter before picking up the intensity on defense. They led 34-26 at halftime.

     Powering the Bulldogs was 6-foot-5, 240-pound junior center Clifford Fernandez with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Fernandez, a standout quarterback on Dexter’s football team, ran the floor with authority and also blocked several shots.

     Dexter coach Steven Fortenberry said Fernandez “is a huge individual. He got off to a slow start tonight.”

     Fernandez had plenty of help from his teammates. Forward Vonta Owens tossed in 15 points, hitting 3 treys. Dante Butler added 11 points and Jamar McGowan 10.

     Fortenberry said his team benefited from last night’s experience. “Brookhaven Academy plays us tougher man-to-man than anybody we’ve played.”

     Dexter’s depth and defense took its toll on the Cougars in the second half. Fourteen points by Peyton Hood led BA in scoring. Leading scorer Gage Posey was limited to 8 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Matthew Evans had 8 assists, 6 steals and 5 rebounds.

     “Dexter did a good job and took us out of our game,” said BA coach Dale Watts. “The game was extremely physical. There was a lot of athleticism out there. I think this will make us a better team down the road.”

     The Lady Cougars (5-14) responded to Coach Bruce Allsup’s game plan and applied heavy defensive pressure on Dexter. The Lady Bulldogs (2-10), coached by Zach Ratcliff, committed 19 first-half turnovers and 33 for the game.

     “Our press set the tempo and we had a good game,” said Allsup. “Our girls gave a good effort.”

     Guard Lindsey Winborne had 5 rebounds in the win.

     Dexter got 9 points and 19 rebounds from Tamyra Harvey.

     The Lady Cougars raced to a 17-2, first-quarter lead and owned a 27-8 halftime margin. Hillary Wilson had 7 of her 9 points by halftime.

Junior High Results

     Dexter escaped the Cougars 44-41 in the junior high boys game, led by Anfronee Lee’s 21 points. Lazarus Ratcliff added 13 points.

     The Cougars got 17 points from Austin Smith. Dylan Winborne scored 9 points and Roger Rushing 7.