By PATRICK JONES

The Natchez Democrat

COLUMBIA — Adams County Christian School nearly saw a nine-point deficit disappear late in the fourth quarter, but the Rebels held on for a 49-48 win over host Columbia Academy Friday night in the boys semifinals of the MAIS Class AAA South State Tournament.

Devin Spear led the way for ACCS with a game-high 24 points, and Andrew Ratcliff contributed with 12 points in a battle of District 4-AAA rivals.

“We played hard. We got off to a good start, but in the second half, we got in foul trouble, so we weren’t able to play as aggressive,” Rebels head coach Richy Spears said.

“But we were able to pull it out at the end.”

ACCS led Columbia Academy 30-21 at halftime before the Cougars mounted a comeback in the second half. The Cougars outscored the Rebels 12-8 in the third quarter to make it a five-point game, and they had a chance to at least tie the game, but they missed the front end of a 1-and-1, and the Rebels got the rebound to secure the win.

ACCS (19-9) will take on Simpson Academy at 6:15 p.m. today boys championship game.

Simpson Academy 84,

Cathedral 70

COLUMBIA — Jacob Berry and Sam McWilliams led four Simpson Academy players in double figures with 24 points apiece as the Cougars defeated Cathedral 84-70 in the second boys semifinal game Friday night.

Cathedral led Simpson Academy 32-28 with two minutes left until halftime before Simpson Academy closed the first half with an 11-1.

“They hit nine 3s in the first half. That’s who they are. And we’re supposed to be defending that,” Green Wave head coach Peter Arnold said.

The Green Wave managed to cut the Cougars’ lead down to four points in the second half, but the Cougars went on another big run to keep the Green Wave at arm’s length.

“They’re tough to defeat, there is no question about it,” Arnold said. “We did not play the correct tempy to beat them. They did what they do best, and we didn’t do the right things to stop them.”

James Coley had 18 points and eight rebounds while Jardarius Anderson had 15 points to lead Cathedral.

The Green Wave (19-12) will play Columbia Academy at 5 p.m. today in the consolation game.