Junior guard Zac Smith pumped in a game-high 21 points to lead two players in double figures as the Brookhaven Academy Cougars rallied to defeat the Oak Forest Academy Yellowjackets 58-50 Thursday night in John R. Gray Gymnasium.

     In girls action, the Lady Jackets stung the Lady Cougars 53-31.

     BA continues action Saturday. They visit Pelahatchie to battle East Rankin Academy for six games. Tipoff starts at 1 p.m.

Oak Forest 53, BA 31

     The Lady Jackets (7-5) came out strong and overpowered the Lady Cougars (4-9) with their size as they powered to a 26-16 halftime lead.

     In the second half, Oak Forest continued to utilize their size and depth to outscored Brookhaven Academy 27-15.

     Lindsey Neal poured in a game-high 19 points to lead the Lady Jackets.

     “The girls played hard,” said Oak Forest coach Joe Fekete. “This was one of our better games this season. We played all four quarters and did the things needed to win.”

     Sophomore forward Becca Harvey was the offensive leader for the Lady Cougars. Madison Warren and Lindsey Winborne paced BA on the boards with 5 rebounds apiece.

     “Oak Forest played extremely well,” said BA first-year coach Bruce Allsup. “They overpowered us with their size in the paint. Overall, I was pleased with our girls’ effort. We must stay positive as we prepare for district.”

BA 58, Oak Forest 50

     In the first half, the Jackets (3-7) came out strong, like in the girls game, swarming all over the court to take a 29-22 lead into halftime.

     In the second half, BA (9-4) managed to regain their focus and thumped Oak Forest 36-21 to claim the victory. Smith drained six 3-pointers behind the arc.

     Senior forward Gage Posey posted a double-double for the Cougars with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

     “Oak Forest has some very good athletes,” said BA coach Dale Watts. “They fought hard and kept us on our heels in the first half.

     “In the second half, the guys rose up to the challenge and worked hard to score points inside,” continued Watts. “Overall, I am pleased and confident that our seniors will lead this team in the direction of competitiveness.”

     Devin Conti was the top scorer for the Jackets with a team-high 20 points.

     “The guys played really well in the first half,” said Oak Forest coach Curtis Matherne. “In the second half, Brookhaven did a great job stopping our game plan and made the plays needed to win”

     In Junior High action, Oak Forest swept Brookhaven Academy.

     In the girls game, the Lady Jackets defeated the Lady Cougars 30-18. Ashlee Stafford paced Oak Forest with 16 points. Edie Riley led BA with 10 points.

     In boys action, Oak Forest thumped BA 47-20. Conner Alston directed the Jackets with 15 points.

     The Cougars were led by Austin Smith, Roger Rushing and Dylan Winborne with 4 points apiece.