Defending Class AA state champion Brookhaven Academy has a newlook this year but the Lady Cougars still are enjoying the sameresults. They ran their record to 19-0 Monday night, whipping thePrentiss Christian School Lady Saints 52-29 in the opening round ofBA Holiday’s Classic in John R. Gray Gymnasium.

Coach Barry Gray’s Lady Cougars play Simpson County Academytonight at 7 in the semifinals. In the other semifinals game, DeltaAcademy plays Copiah at 4:30.

In the girls consolation bracket, Marvell plays Central Privateat 2 p.m. today. Delta beat Central Private 71-50 yesterday.Simpson County drew a bye when McComb Parklane dropped out of thetournament.

The Lady Cougars went 34-2 last year winningthe state title and advancing to the quarterfinals of the OverallState Tournament. They lost one starter and a top reserve tograduation.

Junior playmaker Lauren Smith said this season’s BA squad ismore relaxed. “We are loose. We are shooting it more. This team istotally different from last year.”

Brookhaven got 11 points and 9 rebounds from center KristianDavidson, a 6-foot transfer from Wayne Academy. Smith chipped in 10points and 5 assists. Kelli Byrd added 4 rebounds and Emily Langleymade 3 steals.

Gray’s girls romped to a 25-7 halftime lead over Prentiss, usingan effective full-court press. The veteran coach saw room forimprovement.

“We were a little rusty because of the holidays,” said Gray. “Wedidn’t shoot real well but our defense was good. Prentiss playedgood defense, too.”

The Lady Saints, coached by Frank Miller, got 10 points fromKimberly Speights.

Copiah 54, Marvell 34

The Lady Colonels (17-4), coached by Mitch Mitchell, weredirected by Jackie Stowe with 17 points and Lacey Williams with 15.They led 37-15 at halftime.

Copiah sacked 6 treys in the game, led by Williams who made3.

The Lady Eagles got 8 points from Sarah Schaffhauser.

Delta 71, Central Private 50

Ole Miss signee Lindsay Roy poured in 38 points for Delta lastnight. She was followed by Megan Green with 19 points.

Central Private got 16 points each from Candace Pocorello andSamantha Kirkland. Sonni Kirkwood scored 8 points.