CANTON – The Brookhaven Academy Cougars took care of business Tuesday night in the opening round of the MAIS Class AA State Tournament. They eliminated the host Canton Academy Panthers 58-43, directed by senior guard Matthew Evans who had 20 points and 5 assists. Gage Posey and Peyton Hood chipped in 13 points each.

The Cougars (24-12) play Friday at 7:15 p.m., in the semifinals against the winner of tonight’s Marshall Academy-Bowling Green game. Marshall is the 2-time defending state champion. Consolation and championship games are Saturday at 6 p.m. and 7:15.

“It was a good win for us,” said BA coach Dale Watts. “Anytime you play a home team, it can be tough. They were excited and played hard.”

In the other boys game today, South No. 1 Central Private plays Oak Hill at 5:15.

In the other boys game last night, Leake Academy edged Simpson Academy 74-72 in overtime. In the girls bracket, defending state champion Leake crushed Oak Forest 69-32 and Prairie View stopped Simpson 40-36. In today’s quarterfinals, South No. 1 Bowling Green plays North No. 4 Indianola Academy and Oak Hill faces Columbia Academy.

On the backboards, BA was led by Posey’s 5 rebounds. Evans and Will Hickman had 3 apiece. Evans also had 2 steals, steering the Cougars to a 32-22 halftime lead.