BROOKHAVEN — The MAIS AA South State tournament started just how Adams County Christian School envisioned, with both teams getting a win in their opening game.

The Lady Rebels pulled through against Silliman, 54-45, while the boys topped Silliman as well, 74-42.

The Lady Rebels got things started Wednesday in a tight contest with Silliman. After jumping out to an 18-8 lead after the first quarter, ACCS was tested the rest of the way with Silliman going punch-for-punch until the final buzzer.

“I’m still looking for that complete game,” ACCS head coach Melanie Hall said. “I’m still looking for four good quarters and I think the girls are too. The kids worked hard and we are thankful for where we are. I’m proud of them for getting the job done.”

Hall said the win was crucial for her and the team, and now the road to state appears to be a little bit clearer.

“This is that ‘go home’ game,” Hall said. “Win and you continue regardless since top four go to state. You expect some jitters of course, but once that ball is tipped, that should all go away.”

Bailey Boyd led the Lady Rebels with 18 points and Hall said she was on her game.

“She was in the zone,” Hall said. “She was playing very loose and just flowing. She was making good decisions and was just out there taking care of business.”

Skylar Adams was the only other ACCS player in double figures with 10.

Riley McManus led Silliman with 20 points.

Next up for ACCS is a clash with Simpson Academy Friday at 4 p.m.

“It’ll be our first time to meet,” Hall said. “I’m expecting four good quarters from my kids. If we come out and play offense and defense, and each one of us brings our piece, we can have a lot of fun out there.”

ACCS 74 (boys),

Silliman Institute 42

BROOKHAVEN — For the first time this season, ACCS head coach Richy Spears told his team they did a good job. And for him, that is a major step.

“We played pretty well and I actually told them that tonight,” Spears said. “(Silliman) scored the first basket and then after that we got up and guarded.”

ACCS would go on a 23-0 run to end the first and continue to cruise the rest of the way.

Twelve different Rebels scored in the game with Brandon Brooks recording a game-high 17 points. Teammate Devin Spear chipped in with 15.

Spears said he is glad to get the first win out of the way, especially since so much was on the line.

“It was a nervous feeling because if you lose, you’re done,” Spears said. “I surely didn’t want to be done. I’m just happy for this group of kids because we’ve been going through the grind for a long while. They say they are ready to roll, and I believe them.”

ACCS’ next opponent will be a familiar one in either Brookhaven Academy or Simpson Academy.

“We’ve played Brookhaven twice this year and Simpson beat us in south state last year,” Spears said. “I haven’t seen (Simpson) this year, but heard talk of them. They are very well coached, I know that.”

ACCS is slated for a 6:30 p.m. tip Friday.