NATCHEZ — Adams County Christian School’s Brody Cole and Sneh Patel are headed back to Laurel for a second-consecutive week.

The ACCS duo each registered strong enough finishes in last week’s district tennis tournament to earn a qualifying invite to this week’s South State at Jones County Junior College.

“I’ve been coaching these kids in tennis for several seasons now, and they are playing at the top of their game,” ACCS coach Jim Bob Allgood said. “I couldn’t be more proud them, and the rest of our tennis squad.”

Cole won both of his matches, including a three-set 6-3, 6-7, 10-4 thriller over Laurel Christian’s Tony Hughes to win the boys district over championship.

“It felt pretty good,” Cole said. “I felt I should have won it, but he challenged me pretty well.

“I wished more of my teammates could have won (district champion).”

Patel, meanwhile, finished as the boys No. 2 runner-up after falling to Laurel Christian’s Daniel Tanibus in the finals.

“His style of tennis was a little different than what I used to,” Patel said. “He slowed the game down a lot more than I do, and he added more of a backspin (to his shots).”

The Rebel senior, however, believes if the two were to meet again in South State, the outcome may turn out different.

“I’m going to have to practice a little this week,” Patel said. “I’m trying to figure out the way he plays so I can give myself a better chance.”

Despite winning the district’s top honor, Cole said he believes there is still a level of play he has yet to reach. Fully recovered from a shoulder injury that hampered the senior through basketball season, Cole said he is hopeful he can put it all together this week in Laurel.

“I think I’m playing pretty good right now, but I could probably play better,” Cole said. “(The shoulder) doesn’t hurt me during tennis, because I don’t have to use my left hand too much.”

The South State meet will be Wednesday at JCJC.

“I’ve had enough practice, and I’m ready,” Patel said. “I just need to focus on a few things.”