Brookhaven Academy’s Lady Cougars looked like the favorites intheir tournament on a rainy Wednesday night. Sparked by seniorguard Katie Newman’s 18 points, they overpowered the Prairie ViewAcademy Lady Spartans 74-22.

The Lady Cougars play again tonight in the quarterfinals, facingCentral Hinds at 7. The Brookhaven Academy boys face Porter’sChapel of Vicksburg tonight at 8:15 as the Holiday Tournamentcontinues.

Due to an outbreak of influenza on Wilkinson County ChristianAcademy’s teams and an ice storm in Arkansas, the tournamentbracket underwent some late changes. The Marvell, Ark., girls teamwas forced to withdrew due to the icy road conditions. Wilkinsonwas scratched because of the flu epidemic.

Eight games are scheduled today. In the boys bracket, SimpsonCounty plays Huntington (La.) at 9 a.m. and Natchez Trinity playsCentral Hinds at 10:15 a.m. The winners play again at 5:45.

In another boys game, Ben’s Ford faces Parklane at 12:45. In thegirls bracket, Simpson County plays Copiah at 11:30, Mt. Olive(La.) plays Parklane at 2 and Amite School Center plays Huntingtonat 4:30.

Semifinals are Friday, starting at 4:30. Finals are Saturdaynight at 6 and 7:30.

The Lady Cougars (18-1) overwhelmed Prairie View with full-courtpressure last night. They collected 21 steals in the game and racedto a 39-14 halftime lead. Coach Barry Gray’s squad carried a 66-19advantage into the fourth quarter.

The Lady Cougars took a 17-8 first-quarter lead on a baselinejumper by Lindsey Phillips. Senior post Lindsay Altman followedNewman with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Ancy Myers chippedin 13 points and 6 rebounds in a relief role.

Newman, who accounted for 6 steals and 5 assists, sparked a 9-0run to start the second half. Her 2 consecutive field goals pushedBA’s lead to 57-16 and she retired with 2:58 left in the frame.

Gray’s second-half starting lineup included Newman at pointguard and four subs. Guard Amy Smith chipped in 8 points and 5assists to the victory. Guard Anna K. Gatlin also scored 8points.

Brookhaven outrebounded the visitors 36-13.

The Lady Spartans (4-11), based in Bastrop, La., got 8 pointsfrom Jessica Nelson. They are coached by Mike Hinton. Grabbing 4rebounds was Cynthia Bowe.