Copiah Academy point guard Candace Clayton provided the heroicsThursday afternoon in the opening round of the Brookhaven AcademyHoliday Classic. Clayton raced the length of the floor to sink alayup with two seconds left to play, lifting the Lady Colonels to athrilling 59-57 victory over the Marvell, Ark. Lady Eagles.

Clayton’s clincher kept Copiah undefeated in 19 games. Thevictory landed Copiah in Friday’s semifinals, meeting ParklaneAcademy at 4:20.

Marvell (10-5), making a 6-hour drive to Brookhaven to play inthe Classic, almost realized an upset. The Lady Eagles had tied thescore at 57-57 on an 18-footer by Laura Lewis from near the top ofthe key and 12 seconds left in regulation.

Copiah coach Mitch Mitchell said the outcome was in Clayton’sexperienced hands. “We wanted to give (basketball) to her and lether make the decision. We didn’t want to call a timeout.”

Clayton also deflected a long, desperation Marvell pass as timeexpired. She finished with 15 points and 4 steals.

Sophomore guard Carley Clayton led Copiah with 17 points. GuardMadeline Price collected 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals.Bethany Harris grabbed 7 rebounds.

A trey by Carley Clayton had pushed Copiah ahead 57-55 with 1:25left to play.

“That was an exciting game,” said Mitchell. “Marvell is realgood. They shoot the ball extremely well.”

Marvell’s best shooter, 5-11 senior Robin Chastain, fouled outwith 7:49 left in the game and her team trailing 48-45. Chastain,an early signee with Delta State, finished with a game-high 19points.

Guard Meagan Reams followed Chastain with 12 points. A shortjumper from the lane by Regan Hall had given the Eagles their lastlead at 55-54, with 2:33 remaining.

Marvell coach Mike Reams said Chastain’s presence on the floorwas dearly missed. “She averages in the mid 20s and she scored 35the other night.

“Our girls played hard,” Reams continued. “I didn’t do a goodjob of coaching them.”

Reams brought his team to the Class AA State Tournament atBrookhaven Academy two years ago. Last year an ice storm inArkansas canceled Marvell’s plans to play in the Classic.Brookhaven Academy girls coach Barry Gray had extended theinvitation.

“We enjoy coming to Brookhaven and we like Coach Gray,” saidReams. “Copiah has a pretty good team. They execute well and shootit good. They are a well-coached team, too.”

Marvell plays Central Hinds Friday in the consolation bracket at1:40. Parklane’s girls beat Central Hinds yesterday.