RAYMOND — Tory Laird led Adams County Christian School with a game-high 21 points and Ashleigh Williams scored 20 points as the top-seeded Lady Rebels defeated the second-seeded Brookhaven Academy Lady Cougars 59-47 Saturday afternoon in the girls’ championship game of the MAIS District 5-AA Tournament at Central Hinds Academy.

ACCS head coach Melanie Hall said defense and the team’s unity were the key factors in the Lady Rebels winning the district championship against an upset-minded Lady Cougars.

“To God be the glory. It was a great team win. Defense wins championships. Our kids, they’ve (got) great unity,” Hall said.

ACCS led Brookhaven Academy 17-11 at the end of the first quarter before dominating the Lady Cougars in the second quarter. The Lady Rebels put up 16 points in that quarter while holding the Lady Cougars to just seven points and took a 33-18 lead into halftime.

However, the Lady Cougars decided to turn the tables on the Lady Rebels in the third quarter. Brookhaven Academy limited ACCS to eight points in the quarter while scoring 13 points to make it a 41-31 ball game.

The Lady Rebels made sure that the Lady Cougars’ comeback bid would not carry over into the fourth quarter with an 18-16 advantage.

“For most of the game, our girls executed offensively and defensively. It got close a few times. But our girls knew they were going to take it,” Hall said.

McKenzie Boyd and Jordan Petty finished with six points each for the Lady Rebels. Madison Warren led the Lady Cougars with 18 points and Lindsey Winborne had 15 points.

ACCS (24-4) will next play either Tuesday or Wednesday against an opponent to be determined in the first round of the MAIS Class AA South State Tournament at Simpson Academy in Mendenhall.

ACCS boys 60, Brookhaven 51

Trey Fleming and Brandon Brooks both scored in double figures as the Rebels topped Brookhaven Academy, 60-51, to secure the MAIS District 5-AA tournament championship.

Fleming led his team in scoring with 16 points, while Brandon Brooks added 13 points for ACCS. The Rebels led 23-20 at the half and 39-34 at the end of the third quarter.

For Brookhaven, Peyton Hood scored a game-high 22 points, while Zac Smith chipped in with 16 points.

ACCS (22-2) will play next at the South State tournament at Simpson Academy. The opponent, date and time are to be determined.