The Brookhaven Academy Cougars suffered a tough, hard fought 52-42 lost to the Simpson Academy Cougars Wednesday night in the second round of the MAIS South AA State Tournament at John R. Gray Gymnasium.

In other tournament action, the ACCS Lady Rebels defeated Silliman 54-45, the Simpson Academy Lady Cougars knocked off Centreville 51-46 and in boys’ action, ACCS clobbered the Silliman Wildcats 74-42.

The South AA State tournament will resume action Friday with game beginning at 4 p.m. The Brookhaven Academy Lady Cougars will be in action as they take on the Bowling Green Lady Bucs at 5:15 p.m.

 Simpson Acad. 52, BA 42 

In the last game of the night, BA and Simpson boys came out and provided their basketball fans with an exciting defensive ball game as both schools fought hard throughout the whole contest.

In the opening quarter of the battle of Cougars, BA and Simpson battled in a back and forth contest as the Lincoln County-based Cougars (18-14) managed to claim a 10-9 lead at the end of one quarter of action.

In the second quarter, the defensive bout continued, but Simpson managed to gain the upper hand on BA with an 11-7 run to take a 20-17 lead into halftime.

In the third period of action, both teams came out the locker room with the same defensive game plan as Simpson and BA worked the ball down the court patiently on offense to wear their opponents. Simpson managed to increase their lead with a 13-11 push to lead 33-28 at the end the third frame.

In the final quarter, both teams were showing some signs of fatigue, but the boys continued to fight hard. Simpson managed to battle through BA’s tough defensive pressure to extend their lead with a 19-14 run to secure the win and end BA’s season.

“I m extremely proud of my guys,” said BA coach Josh Watts. “They fought and play hard throughout the whole game from start to finish. I could not have ask for anything more. This was a tough loss to end our season, but I am proud of the effort my guys gave.

“Overall, we had a great season and we will miss these seniors that have worked very hard to get us here,” continued Watts. “They are true leaders and they made my job a lot easier in my first year as head coach. I will definitely miss them.”

Senior forward Peyton Hood powered BA’s offensive attack with 29 points and six rebounds. Austin Smith chipped in with five points. Senior forward Drake Flowers contributed four points and had two rebounds. Ross Felder had three points. Senior guard Caleb Brown score one points and had four assists. Senior guard Trent Nettles dished out three assists.

Sam McWilliams was the top scorer for Simpson Academy with 24 points. Jacob Berry netted 12 points.

ACCS 54, Silliman 45 

Bailey Boys paced the Lady Rebels with 18 points. Skylar Adam had 10 points.

Ryleigh McMonus directed the Lady Wildcats with 20 points. Mary Brighton Morris provided 10 points.

ACCS 74, Silliman 42 

Brandon Brooks led the Rebel with 17 points. Jay Fleming added 10 points.

J.C. Crain and Brian Siebert powered the Wildcat with 13 points apiece.

 Simpson 51, Centreville 46 

Molly Shotts pumped in a game-high 26 points to lead the Lady Cougars. Mallory Cooper contributed 11 points.

Katelynn Chandler directed the Lady Tigers with 17 points. Marti Ann Longmire netted eight points.