NATCHEZ — Despite dropping its opening game, Adams County Christian School girl’s basketball coach Melanie Hall took a lot of positives from Tuesday’s matchup against Oak Forest Academy.

The Lady Rebels fell to Oak Forest 45-29 in the ACCS Girls Tip-Off Tournament, but Hall was quick to compliment her players for their effort.

“I was pleased with the way the girls hustled and scrapped,” Hall said. “Our motto is to play hard, play smart and play for the Lord.

“Regardless of the outcome, if you’re on the king’s team — and by king, I mean Jesus — that’s what’s most important.”

Rachel Holloway led the Lady Rebels in scoring with 13 points. Marlee Wadsworth added five points, Megan Cole and Kristyn Arnold each tallied four points and Taylor Welch scored three.

Hall said the main thing her team needs to improve on is its outside shooting, and singled out several players that she felt could develop into perimeter players.

“Taylor Welch is going to come around,” Hall said. “Jessica Moffitt has a nice outside shot, and Rachel Holloway can play inside or outside.”

Holloway’s strong performance did not go unnoticed by her head coach.

“I thought she did really well tonight,” Hall said.

Oak Forest had two players score in double digits. Ashlyn Neal scored 16 points and Kallie Populis added 11.

ACCS was only down 18-13 at the half, and a strong third quarter showing made it a 28-22 at the end of three.

However, the Lady Rebels managed just seven points in the fourth quarter, while Oak Forest pulled away, scoring 17 points in the final period.

“I felt that everyone contributed in some way,” Hall said. “I like how our post players worked together and found some seams.

“We have to improve our fundamentals and always work to get better. If we can do that, everything else will take care of itself.”

ACCS (0-1) will play again Saturday against Tensas Academy. Tipoff for junior varsity is 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. for varsity.