GALLMAN — After winning their District 6-AA Tournament lastweek, the Brookhaven Academy Lady Cougars looked unstoppableSaturday afternoon, defeating the host Copiah Academy Colonels39-23 for the South State AA title before a capacity crowd.

Copiah headmaster Carol Rigby presented Brookhaven’s team withthe first place trophy and Copiah with the runner-up trophy.

Under Brookhaven Academy girls coach Barry Gray, it was the 8thSouth AA title his teams have won over past 10 years.

“We played great,” said Gray, after winning the tournament. “I’mso proud of them as a team. Our ball handling was very aggressive.The seniors really led us today. I am proud for all of the hardwork they have done.”

Brookhaven (33-4) will host the State AA Tournament this week inJohn R. Gray Gymnasium. Copiah is the No. 2 team. ACCS is No. 3 andColumbia is No. 4 out of the South. The top 4 teams out of theNorth will also participate.

Selected to the South AA team from Brookhaven were Drew HollandTigner, Kelli Snider, Hannah Watts and Kacey Rutland.

“Brookhaven Academy played well,” said Copiah girls coach MitchMitchell. “BA’s defense was so good. We had just 15 shots in thefirst half. We did a good job defensively but we couldn’t make ourshots.”

Mitchell said the girls may have been tired,having played 4games over the last 5 days.

Named to the South team from Copiah (19-22) were Julie Hankins,Emily Fahner and Becca Boone.

In the girls consolation game, Adams County Christian Schooldefeated Columbia Academy 64-53 in overtime. At the end ofregulation, the teams were deadlocked 49 all.

Brookhaven 39, Copiah 23

The Lady Cougars played steady offense and tenacious defensefrom the start to the finish. Brookhaven led Copiah 12-2 in thefirst quarter and pushed its lead to 19-7 at the half. In thesecond half, the Lady Cougars outscored the Lady Colonels 20-16 topreserve the win.

Powering Brookhaven with 9 points apiece were Kellie Brady andDrew Holland Tigner. Netting 7 points each were Casey Smith andHolly Smith. On the backboards, Kacey Rutland and Tigner led with 6rebounds apiece. Brady had 4 rebounds. Snider led with 3 stealsfollowed by Casey Smith with 2 steals and 4 assists.

Copiah got 9 points from Julie Hankins, all treys. Emily Fahnerfollowed with 8 points.

ACCS 64, Columbia 53

The ACCS girls outscored Columbia 15-4 in OT to secure thewin.

Pacing ACCS with 25 points was Katie Anne Swinny. For Columbia,Lindsey Bear led with 12 points.