An early lead allowed Trinity Episcopal (10-3, 2-0) to develop its younger players Thursday night as the Saints topped Adams County Christian School in boys basketball action, 57-40.

After a 31-15 lead at the half, sophomore Sterling Yarborough led the underclassmen with nine points, including three 3-pointers.

“Sterling is coming into his own,” Trinity coach Andy Blair said. “He’s still young, and we are excited about what he’s bringing.”

Sophomore E’Daniel Jones also received playing time and ended the night with four points. Jones suffered a concussion during Trinity’s last matchup with ACCS on Dec. 28, and this was his first time back in action.

“He is fine,” Blair said. “We are really excited to have him back.”

Before the Saints unloaded their bench, senior David Jackson scored 20 points and junior Dee Fleming added 15.

“I liked our teamwork tonight,” Blair said.

ACCS’ (8-8, 2-3) bright spot was its 16-13 run in the third quarter.

“As athletic as they are, you have to get the ball in the paint and we did it a couple times,” ACCS coach Richy Spears said. “We just have to get better every day.”

The leading scorers for the Rebels were Julian Wilson with 14 points and Dawson Parker with 12.

Both schools have a quick turnaround as they each play again tonight. Trinity will take on Amite School at home, and ACCS will travel back home to face Laurel Christian.

ACCS (girls) 47, Trinity 44

ACCS (15-2, 5-0) scored 10 unanswered points to open the fourth quarter and held on to defeat Trinity, 47-44.

The Lady Rebels were down six points at the end of the third period, 35-29, but channeled its inner-patience to regain the lead with just under five minutes to play.

“It wasn’t pretty, but my kids found a way to win… Win or lose, to God be the glory,” ACCS coach Melanie Hall said. “I felt like when we were aggressive and played sound fundamentals, we did some good things.”

After the late lead change, Trinity came back to tie the game twice. With 9.9 seconds to go, however, ACCS’ Bailey Boyd sank two free throws to pull away for good.

Boyd finished the game with 16 points and three steals to lead her team. The Lady Rebels also had help from Anna McDaniel with 13 points, Brianna Henson with nine and Lexi Emanuel with seven points and 11 rebounds.

“We were more aggressive on the defensive end, and it led to more easy baskets,” Hall said. “My team has been in these situations before, and we handled it.”

D’Asia Mitchell, who had 18 points, led the Lady Saints, and Jasmine Ivory added 17 of her own.

“I though we played them really well,” Fay Minor said. “I’m really proud of them, but we were rushing when we shouldn’t have to. All we had to do was take our time and set things up. It’s a learning experience.”