Turnovers would play a crucial part in the final regular game asBrookhaven welcomed Lawrence County to Sinclair Gymnasium Fridaynight. The teams combined for 52 miscues but the Panthers garnereda 61-51 Division 6-4A win over the Cougars.

Seniors Charles (Bobo) Rancifer, Simmie Yarborough, MarvisThomas and Keenan Richardson were recognized in pregameceremonies.

It was also Teacher Appreciation Night. Each member of the LadyPanther and Panther basketball presented their favorite teacherwith a seat cushion. In turn, their respective instructors gaveeach individual player a gift. Teachers wore a team jersey with thenumber of their player throughout the day.

Both teams participate in the Division 6-4A tournament at theMendenhall. Brookhaven tackles Florence Monday night at 7:30 p.m.Lawrence County plays Port Gibson Tuesday at 8:30.

Neither team could take advantage of the other’s turnovers. Thegame was tied 6 times, along with 6 lead changes in the opening 8minutes. A 14-all deadlock was realized entering the second period,as Richardson sacked a trey from midcourt as the first quarterbuzzer sounded.

The Cougars (8-18, 2-10) would commit 8 of their 28 turnovers inthe second period and another 11 in the third frame. Their lastlead of the game was 20-19 on a pair of free throws by centerLadarius Jenkins. LCHS head coach Preston Wilson saw his ballclubtrail 31-23 at the intermission break and 46-34 entering the finalstanza.

“Turnovers hurt us down the stretch,” Coach Wilson commented.”We did not take care of the basketball.”

Wilson’s team trimmed their deficit to 6 points, 51-45 on abasket by Orlando Adams with under 3 minutes left in the game.

Ole Brook head coach Ronald Hines’ saw his Panthers closed thegame on a 10-6 spurt.

Jenkins paced the Cougars with 15 points. Leroy Fifer tossed in11 points and 3 steals.

Rancifer topped the Panthers with 13 points, 4 assists and 3steals. Richardson pumped in 10 points. Yarborough had 7 reboundsand 3 steals. Freshman center Frederick Fairman had 6 rebounds,including a pair of offensive putbacks.

“We are jelling at the right time,” said Coach Hines followingthe game. “Our kids are playing hard.”

After opening division play with a 2-4 worksheet, Ole Brookclosed with a 5-1 mark.