By REED DESALVO

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Four local teams have clinched a spot in next week’s state tournament with a wins earlier this week.

Cathedral High School and Adams County Christian School boys have secured a spot in the MAIS AAA tournament, while the ACCS girls have locked up a spot on their side.

Additionally, the Trinity Episcopal girls will play in next week’s MAIS AA state tournament.

All four teams will attempt to further boost their seeding next week with wins today in their respective South State games.

ACCS (boys) play at 6:30 p.m. today against Columbia Academy

After sweeping through last week’s district title, ACCS kept the momentum it built up Wednesday with a 75-59 win over Centreville Academy.

The Rebels were led in scoring by senior Brody Cole, who missed most of the year due to injury, with 24 points.

“I just think he picks up everybody up,” ACCS coach Richy Spears said of Cole. “He’s a senior, and he’s been a starter for two years. Him being out there helps alleviate the pressure from some of the other guys, and they’re able to relax a little bit more.”

If ACCS is to continue their recent surge today, they will have to get through tournament host Columbia Academy.

“They’ve got some big boys down low,” Spears said. “They also have some good guards, so it’s going to be a challenge.”

The Rebels have a familiarity with the Cougars, as Columbia topped ACCS 63-56 in late mid-January.

“We played them over there earlier, but this is going to be a totally different atmosphere,” Spears said. “It’s going to come down to us taking care of the little things. We have to rebound and take care of the basketball.”

 

ACCS (girls) play at 4 p.m. against Silliman Institute

 

All season long, ACCS girls coach Melanie Hall has said the strength of her team has been team unity.

Perhaps no better example can be made than Wednesday’s result.

Eight separate Lady Rebels scored five points or more as they raced past Central Private 70-20 in the opening round of the South State tournament.

“Each player on the team has a role to play, and they know their role,” Hall said. “I’ve got depth, and that is huge. At any time I can have anyone on the floor, and we don’t lose a beat. They’re bringing the talents together that the Lord has blessed them with, and it’s been fun.”

Silliman enters today showdown fresh off

Hall said the Lady Wildcats would present a dynamic challenge, as they are equally effective on the perimeter and inside.

“They’re physical, and they have two big physical girls inside,” Hall said. “They have some good guards, who can shoot, but I don’t think they have the depth that we have. We’ve played them in previous years, and they have basically the same kids. They’ll try to go inside a lot.”

 

Cathedral boys play at 7:45 p.m. against Simpson Academy

 

Cathedral High School Peter Arnold fully understands the challenge his squad will face today when it squares off against highly-ranked Simpson Academy.

“They score in bunches,” Arnold said of the 31-2 Cougars. “They run the 2-2-1 press at you, and you have to be able to handle it the whole. You might be able to do it for a full quarter, but when you start getting fatigued you start making the mistakes. We have to be able to handle their press the entire game.”

On two occasions this season, the Green Wave have failed to handle the pressure of the Cougars’ trapping defense, each resulting in losses. But Arnold said his squad has the ability manage anything thrown their way, and it’s just a matter of execution.

“You have to put a full game together against them,” he said. “You’re not going to beat a great team without playing for 32 minutes. We have to put together a complete game. If we can do that, then we can beat anybody in the state.

“We’re confident and excited for the opportunity.”

 

Trinity plays at 4 p.m. against Tallulah Academy

 

Trinity rolled past Union Christian 75-24 Tuesday, while Tallulah Academy topped Amite School Center 46-28.

Trinity head coach Fay Minor could not be reached for comment Thursday.