NATCHEZ – The Brookhaven Academy Cougars and the Adams County Christian School Lady Rebels captured district wins Friday night in MAIS basketball action.

In the girls’ game, the Lady Rebels managed to squeeze out a 44-39 victory over the Lady Cougars.

In boys’ action, the Cougars escaped with a 50-46 win over the Rebels.

Brookhaven Academy resumes action Monday as they prepare to host the Centreville Academy Tigers and Lady Tigers for six games beginning at 3 p.m.

ACCS 44, Brookhaven Acad. 39

The BA Lady Cougars’ first quarter shooting was as cold as the chilly wind blowing off the Mississippi River Friday night in Natchez as the Lady Rebels of ACCS held off a late surge to defeat BA 44-39 in district 5AA play.

After posting only three first-quarter points, the Lady Cougars were able to cut the lead to five points but could not draw any closer in the second half.

“We played hard, but unforced turnovers were the root of our demise tonight,” said BA head coach Mack Gardner. “Falling behind early required us to string together some positive plays, and we just didn’t do that.”

The Lady Cougars were led by Hillary Wilson’s 12 points on the evening. Mary Claire White added 10 points to the BA total.

Ashley Williams paced ACCS with 16 points. Skylar Adams chipped in nine points for the Lady Rebels.

Brookhaven Acad. 50, ACCS 46

The Cougars got off to a similar cold start in the opening quarter as did the Lady Cougars, and the Rebels managed to take advantage of it to secure a 16-7 lead.

In the second quarter, the BA boys caught fire and outscored ACCS 19-8 to take a 26-24 lead into halftime

In the second half, the Cougars and the Rebels fought hard in a defensive battle as BA overpowered ACCS 24-22 in the final two frames to collect the win.

Senior guard Zac Smith pumped in a game-high of 20 points to lead the Cougars. Travis Thornton contributed 11 points. Peyton Hood was the leader on the boards for BA with 10 rebounds.

Brandon Brooks was the top scorer for the Rebels with a team-high double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds.