DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / The Brookhaven Panthers gladly possess with their division trophy after knocking off Wingfield Friday night at Sinclair Gymnasium.

The Brookhaven Panthers experienced a joyous occasion Friday night after knocking off the Wingfield Falcons 58-54 to win the Region 6-5A crown at home at Sinclair Gymnasium, which ended a 12-year drought since the last time Ole Brook won the district crown.

In the girls championship game, the Brookhaven Lady Panthers were no match for the high-octane Natchez Lady Bulldogs, falling 54-35.

In other tournament action, the Pearl River Central Lady Blue Devils defeated Wingfield 43-40 in the girls consolation. In the boys consolation, Natchez ended PRC season with a 48-29 victory.

The Brookhaven Lady Panthers will host the opening round of the Class 5A state playoffs Monday as they welcome the Picayune Lady Panthers to town for a 7 p.m. showdown.

The Panthers (23-4) will enjoy a first round bye of the State playoffs and host the second round at home against the winner of the Wayne County/Gautier contest Saturday, starting at 7 p.m.

DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Brookhaven’s Yasmine Hill (4) drives past a Natchez defender in girls action Friday night.

Natchez 54, Brookhaven 35 

The Natchez Lady Bulldogs came out and quickly took care of business in the opening quarter with their quickness as they outscored the Lady Panthers 20-7.

In the second quarter, Natchez turned off the offensive firework, but still managed to increase their lead with a 9-2 run to carry a 29-9 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Lady Panthers battled back and outscored Natchez 26-25 but the Lady Bulldogs’ lead was too much for Brookhaven to overcome.

Asia Byrd was the top scoring leader for the Lady Panthers with 12 points. Kynitria Hill chipped in with 10 points and powered Brookhaven on the boards with seven rebounds.

Zyaire Ewing powered the Lady Bulldogs with 22 points. Skylar Morgan contributed 13 points.

DAILY LEADER / MARTY ALBRIGHT / Brookhaven’s Darrian Wilson (10) and Shon Blackwell (3) applies defensive pressure on Wingfield’s Anthony Sanders (10) in boys action Friday night.

Brookhaven 58, Wingfield 54

In the boys contest, the Panthers and the Falcons provided an exciting game for their basketball both offensively and defensively in close battle until the very end.

In the first quarter, the Panthers quickly set the tone of the contest to take a 16-11 lead. In the second period, the Falcons rallied back with a 11-10 push but trailed the Panthers 26-22 at halftime.

In the second half, Ole Brook turned up the heat on offense and defense to increase their lead with a 13-9 run to claim a 39-31 at the end of three quarter of action.

In the final period, both teams continue to provide plenty of excitement as the contest ended up being a high scoring battle, which Wingfield won 23-19, but the Panthers came away victorious with some big free throws in the final minute to clinch the win and win their first division crown in 12-years.

“This was a big win for our guys,” said BHS coach Preston Wilson. “These guys have work hard to get back here since losing in the district championship last year. This is a great feeling to finally get over the hump and win the district crown. I am extremely proud of the guys and they deserve this victory. This is a great group of guys and we are capable to go far in the playoffs if we continue to play as a team.”

Lazorian McNulty powered the Panthers attack with 13 points and four rebounds. Shon Blackwell chipped in with 12 points and Tavis Moore added 11 points. Darrian Wilson was the leader on the boards with seven rebounds and scored eight points.

Marcus Roberts was the top shooter for the Falcons with 16 points. Tyric Jackson and LeAndre Thomas netted 11 points each.

PRC 43, Wingfield 40 

Kim Qutierrez paced the Lady Blue Devils with 10 points. Brianna Thompson led the Lady Falcons with 19 points.

Natchez 48, PRC 29 

Daryl Jones directed the Bulldogs with 19 points. Dominique Mazique added 10 points.

Alex Travis led the Blue Devils with 17 points.