CLINTON, La. — Brookhaven Academy’s Lady Cougars foundthemselves in uncharted territory Tuesday night in the first roundof the District 4-AA Tournament. Coach Barry Gray and his teamfaced a must-win situation, needing a victory over Silliman to keeptheir season alive. Silliman, which plays host to this yearstournament, came into the ball game as the number 6 seed in thedistrict, with Brookhaven being the number 3 seed.

The Lady Cougars have won the District 4-AA crown the past nineseasons, always entering as the No. 1 seed and automaticallyreceiving a first round bye, which assured them a trip to the AASouth State tournament. With a team made predominantly of juniorsand sophomores in a rebuilding year, fans knew how important thegame was.

The Lady Cougars made sure they would still have a chance atdefending their district title with a 54-41 victory over Silliman.Brookhaven improved to 23-10 on the season, and advances to faceTrinity Episcopal Friday in the semifinal round. Win or lose, theywill play again Saturday, either in the championship or theconsolation games. The victory also assures Brookhaven a trip tonext week’s AA South State tournament at Columbia Academy.

Freshman center Drew Holland Tigner scored 13 points and pulleddown 7 rebounds, along with 4 steals, to lead Brookhaven. GuardBetsy Lynch followed with 13 points, adding 6 rebounds and fourassists to her point total.

“The girls played hard,” said Gray. “It was a situation wehaven’t been in for quite some time, but I think we are peaking atthe right time.

“Kellie Brady had a huge night off the bench for us,” addedGray. “It’s a big win.”

Brady came off the bench to score 10 points and collect 6rebounds.

Silliman stayed with Brookhaven through the first quarter, butfailed to keep sharpshooter Kelli Snider in check. Snider went3-for-3 from 3-point range, sparking Brookhaven as her teamoutscored Silliman 15-5 in the second quarter.

Taylor Tines led Silliman with 12 points. Jamie Brian followedwith 11 points as the Lady Wildcats ended their season.