Adams County Christian School softball coach always thought he had a special squad last year, and a late district win confirmed the first-year coach’s beliefs.

ACCS defeated MAIS power Silliman Institute, 5-4, on Sept. 11, propelling the Lady Rebels to a district championship.

The Lady Rebels would go on to finish second in the South State Tournament and fourth overall in the MAIS AAA State Tournament.

For his team’s efforts, Lipscomb has been named The Natchez Democrat’s All-Metro Coach of the Year for the 2016-2017 season.

“It kind of hit me then. That’s a step they’ve never done before,” Lipscomb said of his team’s September win over Silliman. “When we finally beat them and got over that hump, I knew then.”

Lipscomb said it was his team’s ability to execute and play as one cohesive unit that made the difference from years past.

“We were very disciplined and made all the small things happen,” he said. “Once the small things start to go through, that’s when the big things start to follow.”

ACCS had six players earn MAIS 4-AAA First Team All-District selections and another four named to the district’s second team. Brianna Henson, Lexi Emmanuel, Shelby Mason, Anna McDaniel, Bailey Boyd and Marlee Magee were all first-team members. Meanwhile, Geri Brumfield, Harley Martin, Savanna Spear and Carley Delaney were second-team selections.

Lipscomb was named the district’s Coach of the Year, and Henson was named the Player of the Year.

“We did the fundamentals as a team and stayed together as a group,” Lipscomb said. “There wasn’t any ‘I’ with this team. They stayed positive, and it all worked out in the end.”

Bailey Boyd and Anna McDaniel are the lone starters departing from last year’s memorable team.

Lipscomb said while he is sad to see his two senior standouts leave, he remains excited about the return of seven starters, and perhaps setting ACCS up with another special run this coming year.

“I hope last year was a starting block for what is to follow,” Lipscomb said. “Hopefully we can continue the success that we had and make ACCS a dominant softball school.”