NATCHEZ — Adams County Christian School’s stingy defense made the difference Friday night when the Lady Rebels hosted Trinity Episcopal Day School.

The Lady Rebels allowed just one basket it each of the first two quarters, shut out the Lady Saints in the third quarter and held Trinity to just eight points in the final period to secure a 51-12 victory.

The win marked the Lady Rebels’ first in MAIS District 5-AA play.

“It’s always good to get a district win and to God be the glory,” ACCS head coach Melanie Hall said. “At times our defense was very good and aggressive, and when we did execute on offense that was good.”

Tory Laird paced the Lady Rebels’ offense by scoring 15 of her game-high 17 points in the first quarter. Many of Laird’s baskets came off of steals that turned into easy layups.

“Tory’s defense is her best offense,” Hall said. “She’s got another gear, and when she gets in that gear, she’s a good ball player.”

Nikki Worthey picked up where Laird left off in the second and third quarters. The senior scored 13 of her 15 points in those two quarters to lead ACCS to a 43-4 lead after three periods.

A couple of Trinity junior varsity players came in during the last period and provided some offense for the Lady Saints. Tali Beard scored five points in the fourth period, and Marty Lewis made a three-point basket.

ACCS came out slow in the first quarter, but Hall said when she switched to a full-court, man-to-man defense, the Lady Rebels started to force some turnovers and score some points.

“We came out slow footed, but that helped get everybody going,” Hall said. “That sparked us.”

Eight players scored for ACCS, and Hall said it was nice to get her bench players some playing time.

“It’s nice when we’re able to get those girls in the game,” she said. “We haven’t been able to do it a whole lot, but they come out every day and bring what they have, and every player on this team is an important part, whatever their contribution is.”

ACCS (9-13, 1-1) will travel to face Columbia Academy Tuesday. Trinity (0-16, 0-2) will travel to Centreville Academy today.

Trinity boys 71, ACCS 56

Tommy McCoy led the way for the Trinity Episcopal boys’ basketball team Friday night as the Saints defeated ACCS 71-56.

McCoy netted 20 points, Garrett Vinson scored 16 and Dre McCoy added 15 for the Saints, who improved to 13-5 on the season and 2-0 in MAIS District 5-AA.

Trinity blew the game open in the second quarter after leading just 17-15 after one period. The Saints outscored the Rebels 25-15 in the second quarter to open up a 42-30 lead.

Chris Guedon’s 18 points, and Trey Fleming’s 15 were not enough to get the Rebels back in the game.

ACCS (7-14, 0-2) will face Columbia Academy Tuesday.