Fighting the Fuss: ACCS Rebels pull away from Trinity despite energized environment

Published 12:00 am Friday, January 12, 2018

Between the drowning sound of pouring rain and the screams of cross-town fans Thursday night, Adams County Christian School did just enough on its home court to notch its second win over Trinity Episcopal this season, 55-47.

The Rebels chipped away with a fast start in the second half, but ACCS coach Richy Spears said it wasn’t an easy feat with a swarm of distractions.

“I just try to holler really loud,” he said. “It’s hard to describe. Any time you have a cross-town foe and they know each other, you’re going to have that kind of game. It was a win. It wasn’t what I envisioned, but it was a win.”

Email newsletter signup

The Rebels fell behind after a series of missed shots in the second quarter, going into have time trailing 26-22. By the time the second half started, Thursday’s showers had lightened enough for both teams to hear each other on the court.

ACCS scored 20 points in the third quarter, while holding the Saints to just nine and their first bucket coming almost midway through the period.

“We preach defense,” Spears said. “We need to be able to stop them.”

Trinity coach Mo Rodriguez agreed the third quarter is what doomed the Saints.

“We need to understand that when there is time left, we still need to play hard,” he said. “I think our guys got a little bit tired, but we need to come back more ready in the third period.”

Trinity picked up the paced in an attempted comeback as the third quarter neared its end, leading to a “Let’s go Saints” chant from traveling fans. Yet, they couldn’t erase as much as a 10-point deficit.

Jared Simpson and Jakarius Caston led the efforts with 16 points each.

“We slowed down some and once we did that, it was hard to come back,” Rodriguez said.

The Rebels were led by senior guard Josh Day, who ended the game with 35 points. As Spears said his team needs to have a collective effort, he understands the role of his few veteran players.

“We do have some people who haven’t been in that situation,” Spears said. “Hopefully, some of the experience on the floor will pay off, and there’s not a lot out there. We just have to learn.

“I thought we played hard and we hustled. It’s a team thing, not one is going to do it for us.”

ACCS (girls) 40, Trinity 14

The Lady Rebels scored 24 points in the first quarter to pull away for a 40-14 victory over the Lady Saints Thursday night.

Brianna Henson the led win for ACCS with 12 points, while Danyel Weir followed with eight.

Trinity’s Cate Drane and Addison Jackson each scored six points for the Lady Saints.

Both teams play again today, with ACCS traveling to Central Hinds Academy and Trinity heading on the road to Discovery Christian School.