NATCHEZ — Even in defeat, Adams County Christian School girls coach Melanie Hall remained positive.

Hall, often outspoken about her Christian faith, likened the Lady Rebels’ 37-35 loss to Hillcrest Christian School to a trial God uses to grow His followers.

“To God be the glory — there are things that we can pick up from this game that can help get us stronger,” Hall said.

ACCS’s Tory Laird, who finished the night with 10 points, tied the game 35-35 with 18 seconds left on a pair of free throws. But the Lady Cougars’ Christina Berryhill took it to the basket as time expired, sinking a field goal and putting Hillcrest Christian on top.

“The girls played a fantastic game,” Hall said. “We lost by two in the last second, but they played with some fire and intensity, and I was so proud of them. I can’t say enough.”

ACCS opened up to a 12-8 lead in the first quarter, but strong shooting from beyond the arc by Hillcrest’s Kelli Randle helped give Hillcrest a 21-19 lead at intermission. The Lady Rebels had a strong defensive stand in the third, retaking the lead 28-26.

Despite the edge in points, ACCS out-rebounded Hillcrest 31-19. Abby Givens joined Laird as the team’s double-digit scorers with 10 points.

“I feel like we won everywhere but the scoreboard,” Hall said.

Randle led Hillcrest in scoring with 14 points. No one else scored in double digits for Hillcrest.

With the recent return of Abby Givens to the lineup, ACCS now has four of its five starters back. The Lady Rebels lack only Maggie Ray, who is expected to return in approximately a week, Hall said.

Getting the starters back into a rhythm and used to one another is a difficult process, Hall admitted.

“Life is hard, but God uses everything for our good,” Hall said. “It’s difficult to do these things, but you learn through the hard times.”

ACCS (2-7) will play Dec. 6 at Copiah Academy.

Hillcrest Christian 64, ACCS boys 39

There’s always that one lackluster quarter for the ACCS boys, head coach Richy Spears said.

On Thursday night, the third quarter was that quarter, as the Rebels yielded 21 points while scoring only three in a loss to Hillcrest Christian.

ACCS only trailed 32-23 at the half, but the poor third quarter kept the Rebels winless on the season.

“We just have to find a way to put things together,” Spears said. “We hit some lulls just about every game where we don’t get it done. We’re fighting and hustling, but we just can’t find a way to put four quarters together.”

Tyler Stockstill led in scoring with nine points for ACCS. Ryan Strong added six points.

ACCS (0-7) will play Monday at Chamberlain-Hunt.