NATCHEZ &045; Jefferson County head girls’ coach Flora McKnight can be honest &045; her teams never have rebuilding years.

Because she believes in them as much as she does the tooth fairy.

Sure, her Lady Tigers struggled last season after losing a stellar senior class following the 2002-03 season, but things are looking better so far this season. The Lady Tigers have held their own against tough competition so far and get another shot tonight when they host Natchez High in the latest installment of that rivalry.

&uot;I don’t like to believe in rebuilding,&uot; said McKnight, whose teams is 1-5. &uot;I know as a coach we were going to have a little slump last year, but we’re working hard. I’m not looking for any excuse. It’s like momma said &045; anybody can make an excuse. We’ve been making sure we’ll be ready to play.

&uot;We’ve played four 5A schools, but we’re not complaining. We’re learning from that, and they’re going to be ready to play.&uot;

The Lady Bulldogs, meanwhile, have had their own growing pains but are doing about the same thing &045; just trying to get better each game out. Tonight’s game is a chance to get back into the swing of things following the holiday as the Lady Bulldogs haven’t played in 10 days since hammering Vidalia Nov. 19.

And if history has taught anyone anything, there is no rebuilding years when Natchez and Jefferson County meet.

&uot;We’re trying to keep in shape, trying to stay ready and trying to stay focused,&uot; Natchez head coach Sue Johnson said. &uot;When Jefferson County and Natchez meet, you can throw the records out of the window. They’re a scrappy little bunch. They’re young, but they’re scrappy.&uot;

The Lady Tigers’ lone win came earlier this season but held their own against bigger schools, including their 42-38 loss Monday night at home against Vicksburg. Point guard Stacy Thomas went out that game with an ankle injury, but the Lady Tigers may get her back tonight.

Like with anyone else this time of year, the Lady Tigers are still polishing that defense. They’ll get another test tonight against a Natchez team with quick guards and nice size in the middle.

&uot;They’re really working hard, and I believe in defense,&uot; McKnight said. &uot;We’ll have to learn not to turn the ball over, but we’ll be OK. Defense is going to be our strength. It’s always good to play Natchez. It’s good for both schools and good for the community. We always get together and have fun.&uot;

Defense has been the point of emphasis for Johnson, who said her players are still trying to remember where to be when the ball gets to certain points on the court. Then there’s the middle where Delequa Drake and Jasmine Woods are trying to establish their presence with the team’s inside-outside game.

The game is a good measuring stick for what each team needs to focus on here before the Christmas break. Both teams will get in important games in the coming weeks &045; the Lady Tigers open Region 7-3A play Dec. 7 against Port Gibson, and Natchez hosts power Callaway Friday before coming back to open division Dec. 7 at Vicksburg.

Natchez boys at Jefferson

The Tigers’ fortunes in the first month of the season have been similar to their Lady Tiger counterparts &045; tough competition, not enough wins but gutsy enough play to keep everyone motivated.

Now the Tigers have get another crack at a 5A school when they host Natchez.

&uot;We’re playing a lot of young kids &045; one senior, two juniors a freshman and a sophomore,&uot; JC head coach Marcus Walton said. &uot;They’re inexperienced, really. We’re committing a lot of turnovers down the stretch, not rebounding when we need the big rebound and not making free throws when we need key free throws.

&uot;We’ve played in every game we’ve been in and haven’t been blown out of any game except the first game against Crystal Springs. We just have a couple of kids who haven’t played varsity basketball.&uot;