GALLMAN – Junior forward Peyton Hood pumped in a game-high double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds to lead three players in double figures as the Brookhaven Cougars skinned the Copiah Academy Colonels 68-65 in Monday night MAIS basketball action.

In girls’ action, the Lady Colonels relied on a strong first and third quarter performance to knock off the Lady Cougars 49-33.

The BA Cougars will play the Prentiss Christian/Amite School Center winner at 5:15 Friday night followed by the Lady Cougars vs Central Hinds at 6:30 on the campus of Central Hinds in Raymond.

Copiah Acad. 49, Brookhaven Acad. 33 

In a tune up game prior to the end of week district 5AA tournament, the BA Lady Cougars traveled due north to take on the Copiah Academy Lady Colonels in Gallman.

Unfortunately for the Lady Cougars, the Lady Colonels came out and took an 8-point lead after the first quarter and didn’t allow BA to draw much closer, cruising to a 49 – 33 victory.

“Hats off to Coach Gardner and Copiah, they played well throughout the entire game and deserved the win tonight,” said BA head coach Mack Gardner. “I saw some things tonight that should benefit us as tournament time begins. The marathon of the regular season is over. The sprint begins Friday night at Central Hinds and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

The Lady Cougars were led by senior Madison Warren’s 10 points. Hillary Wilson added 8 and Lindsey Winborne chipped in 7 toward the BA total.

Lindsey Walker paced the Lady Colonels in scoring with 16 points. Kammryn Vanlandingham contributed 12 points.

Brookhaven Acad. 68, Copiah Acad. 65 

The Cougars and Colonels provided a tough defensive battle for their basketball fans as the two rivals fought hard in a see-saw contest.

In the first half, BA overpowered the Colonels to take a 36-29 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Copiah continued to fight hard and rallied back into the contest but fell short at the end as the Cougars managed to hold on for the victory.

Zac Smith and Caleb Brown were the second leading scorers for the Cougars with 12 points apiece.