PORT GIBSON – Center Ashley Gayten scored 18 points and grabbed13 rebounds in leading Brookhaven’s Lady Panthers to a 72-64Tuesday night victory over Port Gibson’s girls in Division 6-4Abasketball action. Guard Kearra Collins chipped in 16 points.

In the varsity boys game, Port Gibson’s Blue Waves swampedBrookhaven 80-50.

Brookhaven resumes play Dec. 29 in the McComb Tournament.

The Lady Panthers (6-4, 2-1) overcame a 16-11, first-quarterdeficit to beat the Lady Blue Waves. They broke open the game witha 25-point second quarter and led 36-28 at halftime.

“We played a little better and our defense was improved,” saidBHS girls coach Freda Craft. “But our free throw shooting wasatrocious. We only made one (free throw) out of eight in the fourthquarter.

“Port Gibson has a young team,” continued Craft. “They startabout three ninth graders. They are short and quick.”

The Lady Panthers employed full-court pressure to turn back theWaves who were encouraged by a partisan home crowd.

On the backboards, Gayten led Brook with 13 rebounds. AmberDickey had 6 steals and 4 assists.

The Panthers (4-7, 0-3) couldn’t slow Port Gibson’s high-poweredoffense that was led by Kadeem Fleming’s 16 points. JamieWashington added 11 points and Dominique Ratliff 10.

Port Gibson (12-1) led 38-26 at halftime.

The Panthers, coached by Ronald Hines, were led by FredFairman’s 14 points. Other team statistics were unavailable atpress time.