MENDENHALL – The Brookhaven Cougars and Lady Cougars captured third place in their strong run in the MAIS South State AA Tournament at Simpson Academy.

In the girls’ game, the Lady Cougars were victorious over the Adams County Christian School Lady Rebels 36-34 Saturday.

In boys’ action, the BA Cougars clipped Hartfield Academy 52-50 in Saturday night action.

Members of the Brookhaven Academy basketball teams received all tournament honors as Madison Warren and Lindsey Winborne were selected for the Lady Cougars. Peyton Hood and Zac Smith were chosen from the boys’ team.

BA awaits the conclusion of the North AA tournament play to determine their opponent next week at the AA State Championship to be played at Winona Christian.

Brookhaven Acad. 36, ACCS 34 

The Brookhaven Academy Lady Cougars knew the AA South State consolation game against a familiar foe in the ACCS Lady Rebels would be a tough match-up and one that would probably come down to the wire.

Not to disappoint, BA senior guard Lindsey Winborne hit a driving layup in traffic with 4.3 seconds to play, and a subsequent stolen inbounds pass by BA sealed the 36-34 victory for the Lady Cougars.

“This was fun,” commented BA head coach Mack Gardner immediately after the game. “I am so proud of our girls. This bunch never quits.

“After starting the game down 11-0, we could have tossed it in, but these girls came to the huddle during a timeout and simply said we got this,” Gardner said. “That’s the character of these young ladies.”

Senior guard Madison Warren led the way for the Lady Cougars with 18 points including nine down the stretch in the 4th quarter. Lindsey Winborne chipped in seven, and Mary Claire White added five to the BA total.

Skylar Adams led the Lady Rebels with 10 points.

Brookhaven Acad. 52, Hartfield Acad. 50 

The Cougars (23-8) relied on a strong first, third and fourth quarter performance to knock off Hartfield Academy to clinch the third spot in South State AA Tournament action.

Junior forward Peyton Hood was the offensive leader for the Cougars with a team-high double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds. Caleb Brown and Zac Smith chipped in with 11 points apiece.