Gwinnett Daily Post

Photo: David McGregor Brookwood's Austin Lewis puts up a shot over Berkmar's Jonathan Sanks during the the second quarter of the Patriots victory over the Broncos on Saturday night at Brookwood High School.

SNELLVILLE -- A rested Berkmar team came into Saturday's matchup with region nemesis Brookwood and coasted to a 53-42 win.

The Patriots (8-6, 5-2 Region 8-AAAAAA) took the lead out of the gate on a 3-pointer by Malcolm Hannah just 33 seconds in. After Brookwood took a 4-3 lead on a couple of baskets, Berkmar reclaimed it and would never trail again.

The Broncos (13-3, 5-3) tried to press at numerous points during the game, but the Patriots kept their composure to beat the pressure and get good looks at the basket.

"We just handled the ball well," Berkmar coach Greg Phillips said. "That's what they like to do is press. I thought we did a good job of handling the pressure and taking care of the ball, being strong with the traps and making the right play."

A low-scoring first quarter ended up with Berkmar ahead just 9-5. But both offenses turned it up in the next quarter, combining for 32 points in the period. Berkmar went on a 13-5 run early in the second quarter to build a 22-12 advantage. The Patriots would lead 26-20 at halftime.

C.J. Foster was the leader on offense, scoring 17 points for Berkmar.

"As long as he's aggressive, he's one of the best players on the court," Phillips said of Foster. "He was aggressive tonight."

Tim Rowe added 11 points for the Patriots, and Hannah scored nine.

Brookwood was led by Khalil Abdullah 12 points, followed by Deion Dedeaux's 11. Colin Cotter scored nine for the Broncos.

Berkmar girls 48, Brookwood 43

Brookwood stormed back from a 28-22 deficit at the end of the third to tie the game at 29-29 with 5:40 remaining, but Berkmar hit its free throws down the stretch and pulled out a 48-43 win Saturday.

Rebecca Walker hit a 3-pointer to knot the game up. But the Patriots (7-7, 4-3 Region 8-AAAAAA) went back on top on a fast-break layup by Nina Williams.

Berkmar was led by Daijah Cooke, who scored 25 of her team's 48 points. Williams scored six, and Ja Taja Washington, Amy Adame and Lea Pruitt each scored five.

Brookwood (9-7, 3-4) was led by Walker with 16 points, including two from long range. Courtney Gardner scored 13 points, and Michaela Guffie contributed nine points off the bench.