The Brookhaven Panthers and Lady Panthers captured a split against the Terry Bulldogs in basketball action Thursday night in their home opener at Sinclair Gymnasium.

In the girls’ game, the Terry Lady Bulldogs managed to hold off the Lady Panthers fourth quarter rally to escape with a 53-43 victory. In boys’ action, the Ole Brook Panthers used their speed and athleticism to overpower the Bulldogs for a 64-43 win.

Brookhaven was originally scheduled to host their county archrivals, the Lawrence County Cougars, today, but the contest was postponed until a later date due to the Panthers’ football team being in the playoffs.

The Panthers (2-1) and Lady Panthers (0-3) return to action Tuesday as they visit Magnolia to take on the South Pike Eagles for three games. Tip-off begins with the junior varsity action at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity girls’ and boys’ games.

Terry 53, Brookhaven 43 

The Lady Bulldogs and Lady Panthers battled in a tough, physical contest in the first half as Terry held a slim 25-19 lead at halftime. In the second half, the Lady Bulldogs managed to gain the upper hand after three quarters of action leading 34-20

In the fourth quarter, Brookhaven charged back and outscored the Lady Bulldogs 23-19 but could not overcome Terry’s big lead.

Junior center Kynitria Hill was the offensive leader for the Lady Panthers with 14 points. Senior forward Fredericka Fairman contributed 11 points. Jessica Wilson and Fairman ruled the boards for Ole Brook with seven rebounds apiece.

“We just got out and hustled tonight,” said BHS coach Freda Craft. “We waited until the fourth quarter to start playing ball and that is too late. We still need to continue improving as a team and learn to play all four quarters.”

Calan Johnson paced the Lady Bulldogs offense with 11 points. Nyan Tate chipped in 10 points.

Brookhaven 64, Terry 43

The Panthers and Bulldogs provided an exciting ball game for the fans as Terry claimed a slim 25-24 lead at halftime. In the second half, Brookhaven outscored Terry 40-18 to secure the victory.

Senior forward Carl King pumped in a game-high 19 points to lead the Panthers. Shaquan Richardson contributed 10 points. Travis Moore led on the boards with seven rebounds.

“Carl King stepped up really big for us and had a great game,” said BHS Preston Wilson. “We still need to do a better job rebounding the ball, but overall I was pleased with our effort.”

Titus Ivory was the top scorer for the Bulldogs with 12 points.

<cTypeface:Bold> In junior varsity action,<cTypeface:Plain> the Terry Lady Bulldogs were victorious over the Lady Panthers with a 39-10 win in the girls’ game.

Debony Wilson led Terry’s offense with 11 points. Asia Byrd was the leader for Ole Brook with four points.