COLUMBIA — Brookhaven Academy’s basketball teams inched onestep closer to the MAIS Class AA South State Championships Fridayas the Cougars and Lady Cougars overcame slow starts to move intoSaturday’s championship round. The Cougars avoided a letdown fromThursday night’s upset win over Central Private by defeating RiverOaks, La 58-43. The Lady Cougars battled a tough Columbia Academyteam and a rowdy crowed to defeat Columbia 37-24.

Brookhaven 58 River Oaks 43

Brookhaven got a game-high 19 points from Gage Posey and SidneyChaffin. Both players registered double-doubles as Chaffin pulleddown 11 rebounds and Posey added 10 boards.

“It was a good win.” said BA Cougars coach Dale Watts. “We startedout slow but were able to pull it together. Last night’s game tooka lot out of us physically and mentally, but we finally gotgoing.”

Brennan Miller added 11 points for Brookhaven and Brock Smith added9 to help Brookhaven advance to its third consecutive South Statetitle game.

River Oaks, the No. 1 seed out of district 6, will face BowlingGreen in the consolation.

Both teams advance to the AA State Tournament.

Brookhaven 37 Columbia 24

Laura Beth Wright registered a double-double as she scored 11points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Cougars intoSaturday’s finals. Anna Katelyn Mangold added 10 points and MaryLindsey Magee 9 points and 11 rebounds.

“Our defense was an all-time high.” said Lady Cougars coach BarryGray. “Our rebounding was exceptional as well, but we have to bemore efficient around the rim.”

Terah Winborne pulled down 6 rebounds and had 5 steals and 4assists. Wright added three steals.

Columbia got 9 points from Jennilee Price. The hosts trailed 21-11at halftime.