WINONA – The Brookhaven Academy Cougars and Lady Cougars were victorious Wednesday night in the opening round of the MAIS State AA Tournament at Winona Christian School.

In the girls’ game, the Lady Cougar captured a thrilling 53-51 victory over the Oak Hill Academy Lady Raiders.

In boys action, the Cougars knocked off the Raiders 52-41 to advance to the semifinals.

Brookhaven Academy’s girls and boys will continue State AA tournament action Friday. The Lady Cougars battles Bowling Green at 2:15 p.m. The BA Cougars will take on the Simpson Cougars in the nightcap, starting at 7:15 p.m.

Brookhaven Acad. 53, Oak Hill 51 

The Brookhaven Academy Lady Cougars knew the Wednesday night match-up with the tradition rich Oak Hill Academy Lady Raiders out of West Point would be one that would require a stellar effort to be successful.

After a slow start, the Lady Cougars (20-14) went to work in the second quarter and battled the fourth ranked Lady Raiders tooth and nail to capture an eventual 53-51 victory and earn a spot in one of the Friday afternoon AA State Championship semi-final games.

“This was a great win tonight for our program. It was entirely team effort,” said BA head coach Mack Gardner. “After falling behind 15-2 early, our girls kept competing and fought their way back into the game.

“I’m so proud for this group,” Gardner concluded, “We will enjoy this one tonight and get back to work in the morning to get ready for Friday afternoon’s game.”

The senior guard duo of Lindsey Winborne and Madison Warren led the Lady Cougars with 15 and 14 points respectively. Mary Claire White added 11 points toward the BA total.

Sarah Dill led Oak Hill with 22 points on the evening.

Brookhaven Acad. 52, Oak Hill 41 

The Cougars came out strong and dominated the first half as they overwhelmed the Raiders to take an 18-11 lead in the first quarter and continued to hammer Oak Hill in the second quarter to claim a 29-15 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Raiders worked hard to make a comeback by outscoring the Cougars 26-23, but failed to overcome BA’s big lead.

Junior forward Peyton Hood powered the Cougars with a game-high double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds. Caleb Brown contributed 16 points. Zac Smith added 10 points.