NATCHEZ — The ACCS Rebels can look back with pride on their accomplishments in the regular season, but knows they will need to step it up if they want to have playoff success.

The Rebels finished the regular season with a 12-10 overall record and a 7-5 record in District 3-AA, good enough for second place behind Trinity.

They will face the No. 2 team from District 4-AA Brookhaven Academy in a three game series, which begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday at ACCS.

“We had high expectations going into the year but we knew we were playing in a very tough district,” ACCS coach Hunter McKievier said. “I was very pleased with the way the kids played. It was more of a team atmosphere than you would expect. They aren’t worried about their stats. They’re only worried about winning.”

While ACCS wound up finishing second in the district, they know it could have been much different if not for two extra-inning losses to Trinity.

The Rebels dropped a 13-8 game in 10 innings and followed it up with a 1-0 loss in eight innings, allowing the Saints to take the title.

However, McKievier said the close losses can only help his team as they get ready to begin the playoffs.

“I told the guys that those close games will benefit us in the long run,” McKievier said. “A lot of these teams in the playoffs aren’t used to playing close games. We’ve had several this year.

“We beat Prairie View 11-10 and had those two extra inning games with Trinity. Those have taught us to stay cool under pressure and keep chipping away whatever it takes.”

Standing in front of the Rebels in the first round of the playoffs is the powerful lineup of Brookhaven Academy.

“They’ve got a couple of good sticks in their lineup,” McKievier said of the XX. “Cory Dickerson could be one of the best hitters in MPSA. This will be my first time to see him, but I’ve talked to several coaches and they say he’s the best hitter they’ve ever seen. We’ve got to hit our spots pitching and get some timely hits and we’ll be alright.”

Colin Dollar will pitch game one for the Rebels. Luke Brumfield will pitch game two, scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. at Brookhaven Academy and Dustin Carroll will pitch an if-necessary game three, which would be Friday at 6 p.m. at ACCS.