The Brookhaven Academy Cougars and Lady Cougars were victorious in their opening day of Holiday Classic tournament basketball games Monday at John R. Gray Gymnasium.

In the girl’s contest, the Lady Cougars edged the Tri-County Academy Lady Rebels 44-41.

In the boys’ game, the Cougars roared past the Rebels to gain a 47-33 victory.

In other classic action, the Glenbrook Lady Titans surpassed the Madison St. Joe Lady Bruins 33-29 and the Royal Ambassadors clobbered Glenbrook 79-48 in boys’ action.

BA continues action tonight as they prepare to take on the Glenbrook School Titans in the last day of the Holiday tournament. The girls are schedule to tip off at 6;30 p.m., followed by the boys.

Brookhaven Acad 44, Tri County Acad. 41 

The Lady Cougars and the Lady Rebels battled back-and-forth in a close defensive contest after returning to action after the Christmas break. The Lady Rebels managed to secure a 9-8 lead at the end of one quarter of action.

In the second quarter, the Lady Cougars and Lady Rebels continued their defensive struggle as both schools scored 11 points apiece as Tri County held on to take a 20-19 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Lady Cougars came out and quickly took charge with a 11-3 run to take the lead at 30-23 after three quarters of action.

In the final frame, the Lady Rebels charge back with a 18-14 run but the Lady Cougars managed to stay in control by nailing crucial free throws in the final minute of action to capture their second win of the season.

“Glad to get the win,” said BA coach Mack Gardner. “The girls fought hard throughout the whole game and finished strong to get the win. Our senior did a great job stepping up and showed great leadership in earning this win.”

Anna Kathryn Smith and Mary Claire White were the offensive leader for the Lady Cougars (2-14) with 13 points, four rebounds and two steals apiece. Anna Michael Smith contributed six points and six rebounds. Hillary Wilson provided four points and helped on the boards with six rebounds. Sophie Wilson scored our points. Edie Riley and Alexis Byrd had two points each.

Tori Luke directed the Lady Rebels offense with 12 points. Patty Hancock netted nine points and McKenzie Jones had seven points.

Brookhaven Acad. 47, Tri County Acad 33 

In the boys’ contest, the Cougars and Rebels provided an similar battle as to the girls game, before Brookhaven Academy managed to take control with a 11-4 push to end the first quarter of action.

In the second quarter, both teams struggle to find their offensive rhythm as each scored nine points apiece as the Cougars carried a 20-13 lead into halftime.

In the third quarter, the Rebels came out strong and managed to cut down BA’s lead with a 11-8 run as the Cougars held on with a 28-24 advantage.

In the final frame of action, the Cougars finally found their offensive rhythm as they outscored the Rebels 19-9 to collect the win.

“Glad to get the win,” said BA coach Josh Watts. “Offensively, we struggled to find our rhythm until the fourth quarter. The guys did a good job fighting hard throughout the whole game. Overall, I was pleased to get the win, but we still have a lot of work to do to get better.”

Peyton Hood and Caleb Brown powered the Cougars attack as both collected a double-double performance with 17 points each. Brown lead on the boards with 16 rebounds and Hood helped with 11 rebounds. Drake Flowers provided eight points and grabbed seven rebounds. Trent Nettles and Ross Felder scored two points each. Austin Smith had one point.

Robert Hudson paced the Rebels offense with 11 points. Swayze Bozeman contributed 10 points.

Glenbrook 33, St. Joe 29 

Carsin Spurlock lead the Lady Titans with 10 points. Kate Marvin netted eight points.

Nina German directed the Lady Bruins with 13 points. Armoni Williams scored six points.

Royal Ambassadors 79, Glenbrook 48 

Garfield Fairley powered Royal Ambassadors with 18 points. Monterrius Whitlock provided 17 points. Jessie Dennis netted 11 points.

Caden Copeland paced the Titans with 13 points. Joseph Windham contributed 11 points and Cade Morgan scored 10 points.