The Brookhaven Academy Cougars wrapped up their South State tournament play on Saturday setting their position for this week’s AA State Finals to be held at Brookhaven Academy. The Cougars secured a spot in the south finals with a win over Lamar Christian by a score of 67-32 and reigned supreme in the championship game with a win over Clinton Christian by a score of 39-30.

In the semis, the Cougars took a six-point advantage over Lamar after the first period. Like a sprinter out of the starting blocks, the Cougars from BA kicked it into high gear and completely dismantled the overwhelmed Lions from that point forward on their way to the 35-point blowout win.

Cade Brown led the way for BA with 22 points, eight rebounds and five steals. Brown also excited the crowd with two first half thunderous slam dunks for good measure.  Dawson Flowers added 13 points to the cause while Ethan Nations and Tanner Thurman had 10 and nine points respectively. Nations also had nine rebounds and senior Tate Felder handed out eight assists to lead the distribution category. Cole Needham led the Lions with 23 points.

In the finals match-up, facing the Clinton Christian Warriors for the fourth time this season, the Cougars came out a bit cold shooting from the field but methodically countered the CCA slower paced approach with their high intensity defense, forcing some miscues from the Warriors allowing them to put some space between them and their opponent. Leading by nine points at the end of the third period of play, Clinton could get no closer as the Cougars forced the Warriors out of their tight zone defense and play match-up man-to-man which suited the boys in blue just fine which opened the pathway to the championship trophy. 

Dawson Flowers led BA with a 15-point night.  Luke Jackson added 11 points while Ethan Nations recorded six points in the BA scoring ledger.  Zach Bauman had 17 points to lead Clinton Christian.

Dawson Flowers, Ethan Nations, Luke Jackson and Cade Brown were all named to the AA South All-Tournament Team.

The Cougars will face Tri-County Academy Wednesday in AA State Championship action.  Tipoff is scheduled for 7:54 p.m. at the John R. Gray Gymnasium.