PASCAGOULA – The Brookhaven Panthers suffered a heart-breaking 55-54 loss to the Pascagoula Panthers Saturday night in Class 5A state playoffs.

The Panthers, coached by Jimmie Butler, wrap up the season with a 22-5 record overall.

Pascagoula 55, Brookhaven 54 

In a battle between Panthers, Pascagoula and Brookhaven kicked off the first quarter with a defensive battle as both teams scored just seven points each. In the second quarter, both teams traded baskets, with Pascagoula claiming a slim 23-22 lead at halftime.

Pascagoula came out strong to start the third, outscoring Brookhaven 20-14 to increase their lead to 43-37.

In the final period, Brookhaven put together an 18-12 run to close the game but could not pull out the win.

Lazorian McNulty was the top scorer for Brookhaven with 12 points. Danarius Gray contributed 11 points. Garrick Smith netted 12 points. Damarius Brooks added nine points. Shon Blackwell scored six points. Marte Jones and Darrian Wilson finished with two points each.

Noel Jones pumped in a game-high 25 points for Pascagoula. Illyan Scott chipped in 11 points. Jacques Belford contributed nine points.