The Brookhaven Academy Cougars and Lady Cougars will be under new leadership as they start their rebuilding campaign for the 2013-14 basketball season.

Brookhaven Academy debuts today as they prepare to host the Copiah Academy Colonels for four games. Junior high kicks off the action at 4 p.m. Varsity action is set to begin at 6 p.m. in John R. Gray Gymnasium.

Lady Cougars Experience 

The Lady Cougars have a new head coach on the sideline as Mack Gardner takes over the reins. He replaced Bruce Allsup, who coached one season, leading the Lady Cougars to a 9-20 record.

Gardner comes from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he coached as an assistant. He also coached at many different levels in Tennessee.

Coach Gardner will be relying on his seniors to provide leadership and experience to have a successful year.

The Lady Cougars did not lose anyone to graduation. Four returning seniors – Caroline Stewart, Lindsey Winborne, Anna Carollo and Madison Warren – are excited to begin the season.

Cougars’ New Leadership 

The Cougars will also have a new leader walking the sideline as new head boys coach Kyle Ray begins his campaign. He replaces BA’s long-time legendary coach, Dale Watts, who served 18 seasons and amassed seven state titles.

Coach Ray inherits a 26-13 record from last year’s squad. Ray, who has been living and coaching in South Africa, brings a fresh outlook to the program.

The Cougars have six seniors – Zac Smith, Travis Thornton, Landon Nettles, Ethan Harris, Todd Gayland and Baily Stewart – to provide leadership. BA lost starters Gage Posey, Matthew Evans and Will Hickman to graduation.

Coach Ray stated that the Cougars have several good shooters and will play intense defense.

“Zac Smith and Peyton Hood can fill it up from the three-point line, but our teamwork needs a lot of work as we have added a new coach and a lot of new players.”

BA Varsity Girls Roster 

SENIORS: Madison Warren, Caroline Stewart, Anna Carolla, Lindsey Winborne.

JUNIORS: Rebecca Harvey, Hillary Wilson, Anna Smith, Mary Claire White, Marlee Watts.

SOPHOMORES: Leah Case, Erin Farmer, Edie Riley.

BA Varsity Boys Roster 

SENIORS: Zac Smith, Travis Thornton, Landon Nettles, Ethan Harris, Todd Gagliano, Bailey Warren.

JUNIORS: Peyton Hood, Drake Flowers, Joshua Wiggins, Caleb Brown, Jesse Anderson.

SOPHOMORES: Austin Smith, Ross Felder.

BA Schedule

NOVEMBER: 5-Copiah, 11-Oak Forest, 19-at Centreville, 21-PCS, 23-Central Private, 25-26-at Hillcrest Classic (Hillcrest/Central Private).

DECEMBER: 3-at Salem, 5-Bowling Green, 10-Hillcrest, 12-at Parklane, 13-at Prentiss Christian, 14-MRA, 20-at Central Private, 21-at PCS, 27-30-BA Christmas Tournament.

JANUARY 2014: 3-at ACCS, 4-at Simpson Academy, 6-Centreville Academy, 10-at Central Hinds Academy, 11-at Bowling Green, 14-Amite School Center, 17-Prentiss Christian, 18-at East Rankin, 21-ACCS, 28-Central Hinds Academy, 30-at Amite School Center, 31-Simpson Academy.

FEBRUARY 2014: 1-JV District Tournament at Amite School Center, 3-at Copiah, 6-8 Varsity District Tournament at Central Hinds Academy,, 10-15 South State AA at Simpson Academy, 18-22 State AA Tournament at Winona Christian, 24-28 Overall Tournament at Mississippi College