The Brookhaven Academy Cougars came into the AA South State Tournament as the top ranked team in the state and the one to beat according to everyone’s estimation.  Prior to the game, BA head coach Josh Watts commented cautiously, “When tournament time rolls around records don’t count anymore, everything changes so you have to be ready to play every night out.” 

Ready to play may have been an understatement as the Cougars served notice to everyone in attendance that the road to the title would have to come through them as they routed the River Oaks Mustangs by a score of 66-26.

The Cougars (30-2) tested the waters in the first period of action, posting a workman’s-like 16-11 lead and feeling confident about their play.  Like a lightning strike, BA went on a torrid 41-8 run in the second and third quarters combined leaving the stunned Mustangs wondering what just hit them.  Precision ball movement and hard-nosed defense were the recipe to mark the way to a decisive victory and a spot in the semifinals on Friday.

Cade Brown led the way for BA with 17 points, six rebounds and three steals.  Dawson Flowers added 15 points and had five boards. 

Ethan Nations and Tanner Thurman had 10 and seven points respectively to round out the BA scoring leaders.  Nations also had seven rebounds to his credit.