NATCHEZ – The Brookhaven Panthers knocked off the Wingfield Falcons 77-47 Tuesday night in the opening round of the Region 6-5A tournament.

“Tonight, we came together and decided to play Panther basketball,” said Brookhaven coach Jimmie Butler. “Early in the season, our guards carried the team. Tonight, our post players dominated the boards and were unstoppable in the paint. As always, our defensive pressure sparked our offense.”

After a slow start in the first quarter and trailing the Falcons 12-11, Brookhaven exploded with a 26-14 run to secure a 37-26 lead at halftime.

The Panthers hammered the Falcons with a 40-21 run in the final two quarters to clinch the win.

Brookhaven had three players to score in double figures as Shon Blackwell led the charge with 19 points, three rebounds, three steals and three assists. Darrian Wilson chipped in 17 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Lazorian McNulty contributed 12 points, six assists and three rebounds. Garrick Smith netted nine points and had seven rebounds. Damarius Brooks scored six points. Darius Bryant had four points and Keith Robinson finished with two points.

The Brookhaven Panthers (21-3) will advance to play in the district championship game Friday night against the winner of the Natchez/Provine game at 8:30 p.m.