The Lady Mustangs of Murrah showed why they are the top-rankedteam in Mississippi. Saturday night in the Brookhaven Classic atSinclair Gym, the Jackson-based Mustangs used a powerful insidegame, placing 3 players in double-figures, to the tune of a 58-42win over the Brookhaven Lady Panthers.

In other girls action, South Pike ran past Loyd Star 71-45.

Brookhaven hosts McComb Friday for a Division 6-4A showdown,while Loyd Star hosts Wesson in 6-2A action Tuesday.

Murrah 58, Brookhaven 42

The Lady Panthers (19-5) faced a team in the Lady Mustangs(23-1) that matched them in size.

Murrah, coached by Anna Jackson, pounded the basketball insidethroughout the night. The Lady Mustangs were not intimidated by theLady Panther Dandy Dozen duo of Nikki Byrd and Swayze Black.

Sophomore Brandi Simmons led Murrah with a game-high 24 points,8 rebounds and 3 steals. Kierra Dampier had 11 points and 5rebounds. Tanecka Carey had 10 points. Dandy Dozen junior LaShondraBarrett, who came into the game averaging 24 points a game, washeld to 9 points.

Ole Brook was led by Byrd with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Blackhad 9 rebounds. Monte’ Wilson had 2 steals. Wilson and Kayla Harriseach dished out 2 assists. The Lady Panthers and Lady Mustangs had20 turnovers apiece.

South Pike 71, Loyd Star 45

The Lady Hornets (13-7) got a game-high 21 points, 5 reboundsand 2 assists from Haley Sones. Dakota Brooks dished out 6 assists.Shannon Chester had 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Loyd Star committed 23turnovers.

“We looked better today at some things that we were doing,” saidLady Hornet head coach Jan Delaughter. “We got too far behind inthe first quarter. We played well after that in spurts.”

Coach Marcus Flippin’s Lady Eagles were led by Monique Andersonwith 14 points. Ivielle Stewart followed with 12 points.