SANDHILL – The Brookhaven Academy Cougars and Lady Cougars traveled to Pelahatchie to take on the East Rankin Saturday afternoon and came up on the short end, falling to the Patriots twice.

In the girls’ game, the talented Lady Patriots overcame the Lady Cougars 56-34.

In boys’ action, the Patriots surpassed the Cougars 47-40 in overtime.

The Cougars (17-5, 5-0) and Lady Cougars (13-11, 4-1) are back in action tonight for a District 5AA home match-up with the ACCS Rebels and Lady Rebels. There are six games on tap with seventh grade action starting at 3 p.m.

E. Rankin 56, Brookhaven Acad. 34 

Senior forward Lindsey Winborne led the Lady Cougars with 14 points.

BA head coach Mack Gardner commented after the game, “Outside of just not shooting the ball well, and obviously that is a huge part of being successful, we played a pretty good ballgame.

“We only had 10 turnovers against a team that presses really well, but we still have to put the ball in the basket.”

Katelyn Keeton topped the Lady Patriots’ balanced scoring attack with 14 points for the contest.

E. Rankin 47, Brookhaven Acad. 40 

The Patriots and Cougars provided a tough defensive battle as both teams fought to an 18-all tie at halftime and continued their aggressive battle in the second half to end the game tied at 37-all after four quarters of action.

In overtime, the Patriots managed to get the upper hand on the Cougars and outscored Brookhaven 10-3 to secure the victory.

Senior guard Zac Smith was the offensive leader for the Cougars with 12 points. Junior forward provided a double-double for BA with 10 points and 17 rebounds.

Heath Roden was the top scorer for the Patriots with 13 points. Peyton Cross contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds.