MENDENHALL – The Brookhaven Academy Lady Cougars and Cougars returned to action Friday night with high hopes of earning their spot in Saturday’s South State AA Championship game, but the host Simpson Academy spoiled BA’s dreams with two heart breaking losses.

In the girls contest, the Simpson Academy Lady Cougars escaped with a 42-35 victory over the Brookhaven-based Lady Cougars.

In the boys’ nightcap, the Mendenhall-based Cougars clobbered BA 67-49.

Brookhaven Academy will be in action this week as they have qualified to represent their school in the MAIS State AA Tournament, which will start Tuesday and conclude Saturday at Winona Christian School. Game day opponents and times have not been set.

Simpson Acad. 42, Brookhaven 35 

The Lady Cougars from both Brookhaven Academy and Simpson Academy battled it out Friday night in Mendenhall with both teams hoping to earn a spot in the South AA final game.

Late in the game with the score knotted at 35 apiece, BA was unable to knock down some good looks at the basket and Simpson converted some clutch free throws to secure a 42-35 victory.

“This was a great game and a great atmosphere to be part of tonight”, commented BA head coach Mack Gardner. “It’s tough to be on the losing end of it but I couldn’t be any prouder of our girl’s effort and how they kept competing and fighting to get back in the game after being down early.”

The Lady Cougars were led by senior guard Madison Warren’s 14 points. Hillary Wilson tossed in 9 points and Caroline Stewart had 6 to add to the BA total.

Meagan Griffith paced Simpson’s offense with 15 points and Gracie Knight chipped in 12.

Simpson Acad. 67, Brookhaven 49 

Brookhaven Academy and Simpson Academy provided a tough and exciting basketball game in the first quarter as both teams fought hard, but the Mendenhall-based Cougars managed to claim the upper hand to take a 17-12 lead.

In the second quarter, Simpson’s offensive explosion knocked the BA Cougars on their heels with an 18-6 run and secured a 35-18 advantage at halftime.

In the second half, Brookhaven came out and worked hard to overcome Simpson’s lead but fell to outscore the Mendenhall-based Cougars 32-31 to a comeback effort.

Junior forward Peyton Hood directed Brookhaven’s offensive attack with a team-high double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds. Senior guard Zac Smith netted 13 points, 6 steals and 3 rebounds.

Mason Herrin pumped in a game-high 27 points to lead Simpson Academy’s charge. Daniel Taylor contributed 11 points and led on the boards with 8 rebounds.