Bouncing back strong: ACCS Rebels win consolation game after close loss Friday night

Published 12:00 am Sunday, February 18, 2018

After a two-point loss Friday night in the MAIS Class AAA South State semifinals, Adams County Christian School played another close game Saturday afternoon.

But this time, the Rebels came out on top.

ACCS defeated Columbia Academy in the consolation game, 38-33.

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“It was a good win coming off the heartbreak last night,” ACCS coach Richy Spears said. “We needed that.”

Spears said though his team had a chance, the Rebels just couldn’t find a break in Friday’s loss to Riverfield Academy, 48-46.

“We didn’t defend when we needed to, and we gave up some costly rebounds,” he said. “We had too many missed opportunities on both ends.”

Saturday was a different story. The Rebels held the lead for the entire first half, despite never jumping ahead more than five points. They led at halftime by just one point, 18-17.

Columbia held the lead for the first time nearly midway through the third quarter, though ACCS matched them with back-and-forth baskets as the finals minutes were winding down.

Leading by one point once again with one minute remaining in the game, the Rebels notched a few crucial turnovers — including one from senior Darius Demby — to seal the win.

“I was glad to see how we bounced back,” Spears said. “I thought Demby played one of his better games, but it was a team win. Everybody stepped up and contributed in some way, some form. That’s what we have got to have, and that’s what you’re working on.”

Spears added with the win, the Rebels (15-6) might have even benefited from Friday’s loss.

“They were upset, but it’s South State. We are just play for seeding,” he said. “The real thing starts next week. If we go (to state) and have to play a No. 1 seed, we have to play them some time or another.

“We hadn’t lost in a while. It might have done us some good.”

Josh Day led the win for the Rebels with 15 points. Demby followed with nine of his own.

The Rebels will now be the No. 3 seed from the South heading into next week.

“I’m hoping we have a little momentum moving forward,” Spears said.

Columbia (girls) 41, ACCS 23

The Adams County Christian School Lady Rebels fell in their MAIS Class AAA South State consolation game Saturday afternoon to Columbia Academy, 41-23.

Caitlyn Gamberi had eight points to lead the efforts.

The Lady Rebels will be the No. 4 seed from the South heading into next week’s MAIS Class AAA State Tournament.