BOGUE CHITTO — Kimberlee Thomas ignited a Bogue Chitto victorycelebration Friday night in Calhoun Gymnasium. Thomas banked in ashort jumper with 5 seconds left to play, lifting the Lady ‘Cats toa thrilling 45-43 upset of Brookhaven’s Lady Panthers.

After Bogue Chitto coach Christi Terrell called a timeout to setup strategy, Thomas took the pass and scored over two defendersfrom 10 feet away.

“When it came crunch time, Kimberlee came through for us,” saidTerrell. “Our girls gave 110 percent because we beat a good team.We hit the boards and moved our feet on defense.”

BC was powered by Tanesha Johnson with 14 points and 10rebounds. Meleah Brown chipped in 12 points and 9 rebounds. Thomashad 9 rebounds and Shasta Porter 8.

The Lady ‘Cats (6-3) also boasted a lopsided advantage at thefree throw line, making 20 of 35 free throws. By comparison,Brookhaven was just 2 of 6 from the charity stripe.

Ole Brook head coach Billy Holmes was unhappy with theofficiating but MHSAA rules don’t allow him to comment. “They shot35 free throws and we shot six. Our kids played hard but we didn’tget any breaks.”

Holmes watched his team take a 25-21 halftime lead and carry a34-31 advantage into the final frame. The Lady Panthers (1-6)increased their lead to 9 points, 41-32, on a trey by guard BlancheWilson and a putback by Swayze Black, under the 5-minute mark.

The Lady ‘Cats went on a 9-run and gained a deadlock onJohnson’s short jumper. They went up 43-41 on a putback byThomas.

Wilson tossed in an 18-footer from the corner to gain Brookhavena 43-43 deadlock with 17 seconds left.

The Lady Panthers got 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals fromPortia Dickey. Wilson added 11 points and Black grabbed 9rebounds.

Ole Brook had 9 turnovers compared to 19 for the Lady ‘Cats.

Bogue Chitto hosts MSD Tuesday night for a Division 7-1Acontest. Ole Brook resumes play Friday, hosting South Pike for aDivision 6-4A test.