The Prairie View Academy Spartans had one goal entering Fridaynight’s semi-final game vs. Brookhaven in the AA State Tournament:avenge the loss handed to the Spartans just seven days earlier.Powered by Joseph Waller’s game high 22 points, the Spartans didjust that, knocking off the Cougars 66-63. The Spartans improved to26-5 with the victory. The Cougars fell to 32-4.

Prairie View came out on fire, nailing 8-10 shots from the floorand taking a 21-14 lead after the first quarter. Brookhaven clawedit’s way back into the game in the second quarter, outscoring theSpartans 18-10 to take a 32-31 lead into the dressing rooms.

“I thought we started off really slow. We didn’t shoot the ballvery well in spots, but we came back strong in the first half. Ourkids really rose up and showed a lot of class,” stated BrookhavenAcademy coach Dale Watts. “Prairie View has a good team. I’ve saidit all year long. They have size, they have balance, and they arevery athletic.”

Brookhaven closed the Spartan lead to 2 points with 2:12remaining as Sophomore forward Jeremy Winborne nailed a three fromthe right wing. That’s as close as the Cougars would get as theSpartans closed the door with clutch free throw shooting.

Jonathan Winborne led the Cougars with 20 points. He was 6-8from three point range. Seth Davis registered a double-double with17 points and 10 rebounds. Jeremy Winborne followed with 16points.