Lady Panthers advance to state playoffs

Published 11:30 pm Saturday, February 20, 2016

Daily Leader / Marty Albright / Brookhaven's Asia Byrd drives to the basket to score against Wingfield Friday night in the girls' consolation game.

Daily Leader / Marty Albright / Brookhaven’s Asia Byrd drives to the basket to score against Wingfield Friday night in the girls’ consolation game.

NATCHEZ – The Brookhaven Lady Panthers defeated the Wingfield Lady Falcons 48-35 Friday in the consolation game of the Region 6-5A tournament.

In the boys’ region championship, the Panthers suffered a tough 59-55 defeat at the hands of the Provine Rams.

In other tournament action, the Wingfield Falcons ended the Natchez Bulldogs’ season with a 56-55 win in the consolation game. In the girls’ championship contest, the Lady Rams edged the Lady Bulldogs 48-46 to win the district crown.

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The Lady Panthers (3-22) will be in action Monday as they travel to Laurel to take on the Lady Golden Tornadoes in the first round of the state playoffs.

The Panthers (21-4) will resume action Tuesday as they host the opening round of the Class 5A state playoffs against South Jones. Both games begin at 7 p.m.

Lady Panthers 48, Lady Falcons 35 

The Lady Panthers clobbered the Lady Falcons to secure a 14-4 advantage in the first. In the second quarter, Brookhaven won the scoring spread 9-8 to take a 23-12 lead into halftime.

The Lady Panthers outscored Wingfield 25-23 in the final two quarters to end the Lady Falcons’ season.

“This was a great win for the girls,” said BHS coach Preston Wilson. “I was very pleased with my girls’ effort. They fought hard throughout the whole game. This is a great learning experience for us as we move on in the playoffs.”

Asia Byrd powered the Lady Panthers with 14 points and eight rebounds. Taylor Carter chipped in 10 points and had three steals. Mya Washington and Cheyenne Motley provided eight points each. Arnancy Arnold scored four points. Johnique James had three points, seven rebounds and three assists. Jada Henderson finished with one point and had three steals.

Shalia Renfroe directed the Lady Falcons with nine points. Ciana Williams and Briana Thompson contributed six points each. Temple Clements netted five points. Asia Ratcliff scored three points. Asya Johnson and TyNicia Chism added two points each, while Jessica Spriggs finished with one point.

Daily Leader / Marty Albright / Brookhaven's Shon Blackwell (3) scores a tested layup against Provine's Anthony Johnson Friday night in the boys' Region 6-5A championship game at Natchez.

Daily Leader / Marty Albright / Brookhaven’s Shon Blackwell (3) scores a tested layup against Provine’s Anthony Johnson Friday night in the boys’ Region 6-5A championship game at Natchez.

Brookhaven falls to Provine in boys’ title game

Provine 59, Brookhaven 55 

The Panthers and Rams continued their fierce rivalry Friday night in the boys’ championship contest. Brookhaven came out strong to start the game to claim a 15-10 lead after one quarter.

In the second, the Rams answered the Panthers’ challenge with a 18-9 run to close out the first half leading 29-23.

Brookhaven managed to outscore Provine 32-30 in the final two quarters, but fell short of the comeback. The Rams finished off the sweep winning both the girls’ and boys’ regional tournament titles.

“We are proud of our accomplishments and it was a great opportunity for us to play for the district title,” said BHS coach Jimmie Butler. “Now, it is playoff time and we have to focus our attention on our opponent that we are playing Tuesday.”

Brookhaven had four players to score in double figures as Lazorian McNulty led the charge with 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Darrian Wilson chipped in 12 points and was the leader on the boards with six rebounds. Shon Blackwell provided 11 points. Damarius Brooks netted 10 points. Garrick Smith added seven points and grabbed four rebounds. Danarius Gray finished with one point, two rebounds and three assists.

Eddie Galloway was the top scorer for the Rams with 18 points. Enriques Milton contributed 14 points. Kahlil Johnson provided 10 points. KeJerrick Taylor and Chauncey Buckner scored six points each. Anthony Johnson had one point.