NATCHEZ — The Adams County Christian School Rebels nearly let an early double-digit lead slip away, but they regained their composure and rhythm in the second half on their way to a 60-39 win over the Silliman Institute Wildcats Tuesday night in the MAIS District 4-4A opener for both teams.

ACCS had its way with Silliman in the first quarter on both ends of the court. The Rebels’ defense made it tough for the Wildcats to get open looks at the basket and that allowed the home team to take control. By the end of the quarter, the Rebels led the Wildcats 19-8.

However, Silliman responded by outscoring ACCS 17-11 in the second quarter to go into halftime down just five points, 30-25. The third quarter was a close one, but the Rebels outscored the Wildcats 13-10 for a 43-35 lead.

The Rebels wore down the Wildcats in the fourth quarter to put the game away. Led by Vic Lassiter, Wes Stockstill, Josh Credit, and J.D. Granger, ACCS put up 17 points while Silliman managed just four points.

Lassiter led the Rebels (5-5, 1-0) with a game-high 26 points while Stockstill had 11 points and Credit and Gragner each finished with 10 points.

ACCS steps out of district play when it travels to Liberty to take on Amite School Center today at 7:30 p.m.

Oak Forest Academy girls 38, Cathedral 22

NATCHEZ — Emilee Casanova scored a game-high 15 points to lead the Oak Forest Academy Lady Yellow Jackets to a 38-22 win over the Cathedral High School Lady Green Wave Tuesday night in the MAIS District 4-4A opener for both teams.

The first and fourth quarters proved to the difference in the outcome of this game. Oak Forest took an 11-5 lead at the end of the first quarter and then put the game on ice with a 10-4 advantage in the fourth quarter.

Cate Drane and Hailey Ellis led Cathedral (9-10, 0-1) with eight points apiece and Allie Feltus chipped with six points.

The Lady Green Wave play host to district and in-city rival Adams County Christian School Friday at 6 p.m.

Silliman Institute girls 52, ACCS 20

NATCHEZ — The Silliman Institute Lady Wildcats had too much firepower for Adams County Christian School as the Lady Rebels lost 52-20 Tuesday night in the MAIS District 4-4A opener for both teams.

Silliman had its way with ACCS on both ends of the court throughout this game. The Lady Wildcats took a 15-6 lead over the Lady Rebels and never looked back. By halftime, Silliman had a 25-13 lead and continued to increase its lead in the second half.

Drue Boyd was the only bright spot for Lady Rebels (1-9, 0-1) as she led them in scoring with 11 points.

ACCS next plays at Amite School Center today at 6 p.m.