The Brookhaven Academy Cougars denied an Hillcrest Christian sweep Tuesday night as the BA boys rallied to defeat Hillcrest for a 56-51 overtime victory in a battle of Cougars at John R. Gray Gymnasium.

In girls’ action, the Hillcrest Christian Lady Cougars roared past BA 36-20.

Brookhaven Academy resumes action Thursday as they prepare to travel to McComb to battle the Parklane Pioneers for five games. The seventh grade girls tip off the action at 3:15 p.m., followed by two junior varsity games and two varsity games.

Hillcrest 36, BA 20 

The girls of Brookhaven Academy and Hillcrest battled back and forth in a close contest as the Hillcrest Lady Cougars held on to claim a 12-11 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Lady Cougars of Hillcrest Christian managed to overpower the Lincoln County-based Lady Cougars 24-9 to escape with the win.

Hillary Wilson was the offensive leader for BA (4-6) with a team-high seven points. Mary Claire White paced the Lady Cougars on the boards with eight rebounds.

“Our defense was great,” said BA coach Mack Gardner. “Hillcrest Christian made some shot to start a run in the second half, and we did not. We have got to figure out a way to put the ball in the basket when our outside shots is not falling.”

Christina Berryhill directed the Hillcrest Christian offense with a game-high 13 points.

BA 56, Hillcrest 51 

In the boys game, BA and Hillcrest fought in a tough, defensive battle as the Cougars of Hillcrest Christian managed to get their offense clicking to claim a 26-17 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Lincoln county-based Cougars rallied to outscore Hillcrest 29-20 to force overtime with 46-all tie at the end of regulation. In overtime, the momentum clearly favored BA as the Lincoln County-based Cougars went on 10-5 run to claim a 56-51 win.

Junior forward Peyton Hood sparked the BA Cougars (8-2) with a team-high 20 points. Ethan Harris fueled the flames with 12 points.

“This was an amazing game,” said BA coach Kyle Ray. “It was a great comeback for our boys. The guys fought hard and made a special effort at the end to gain the win. Overall, I am very pleased to get the win.”

Justin Moore paced the Hillcrest Christian Cougars with a game-high 26 points.

In junior high action,  the Hillcrest Christian Cougars and Lady Cougars swept Brookhaven Academy.

In the girls’ game, Hillcrest beat BA 29-19. Abbey Busby led Hillcrest Christian with 19 points. Alexis Byrd directed Brookhaven Academy with 10 points.

In boys’ action, Hillcrest thumped BA 69-48. Thomas Cain shot out the lights for Hillcrest with a game-high 30 points. Bruce Reed contributed 10 points.

Dylan Winborne was the offensive leader for Brookhaven Academy with 18 points. Dawson Flowers chipped in with eight points.