Adams County Christian School’s varsity boys’ basketball team secured a crucial victory against Riverfield Academy, overcoming a challenging first half to win 38-36 in their MAIS District 3-3A matchup on January 3, 2024. Despite trailing by nine points at halftime, the Rebels rallied in the second half, thanks in part to a pair of free throws from Trevin Barnes with just eight seconds remaining.
The game took place at the Bub Ulmer Gym on the ACCS campus, where the Rebels struggled early. By the end of the first quarter, they found themselves down 5-2. The situation worsened in the second quarter as Riverfield outscored ACCS 9-3, leading to a 14-5 halftime deficit. Head coach Rick Fife acknowledged the team’s shooting challenges, stating, “Our shots just were not falling in the first half. We had some open looks.”
The tide began to turn in the second half. The Rebels managed to score 15 points in the third quarter, although Riverfield maintained control, heading into the final period with a 27-20 advantage. Fife noted that adjustments in defense allowed his team to apply pressure, leading to easier transition baskets.
In a remarkable fourth quarter, the Rebels outscored their opponents 18-9. Barnes and Landry Tyson stepped up as key players, with Barnes finishing the game with 13 points and Tyson contributing 12. The improved defensive performance and rebounding efforts helped ACCS secure their first win in district play, raising their overall record to 2-7 and 1-2 in District 3-3A. Fife emphasized the importance of this win, particularly as the top four teams in the district qualify for the South State tournament.
“We needed this win coming back from Christmas, especially as we look ahead,” Fife remarked. The Rebels are set to face St. Aloysius High School in Vicksburg on January 5 at 7:30 p.m.
In the girls’ matchup, the ACCS Lady Rebels fell short against the Riverfield Academy Lady Raiders, losing 43-32. Despite a strong performance for three quarters, the Lady Rebels entered the final period trailing by only one point, 30-29. However, they struggled in the fourth quarter, scoring just three points while the Lady Raiders added 13.
Head coach Marcus Walton commented on the team’s performance, noting, “Riverfield is a very well-coached team. We started out well, but we wore down and didn’t execute well. We had too many turnovers.”
Leading the Lady Rebels was Isley Walton with eight points, followed by D’Kiyah Davis with seven. Other contributors included Maddie Donaldson with five points and Sophia Carter with four. The Lady Rebels now hold a record of 4-7 overall and 1-2 in district play, with their next game scheduled against St. Aloysius High School at 6 p.m. on January 5.
The results highlight the contrasting fortunes for the boys’ and girls’ teams at ACCS as they navigate their respective districts. While the boys celebrate a much-needed victory, the girls seek to regroup and improve in their upcoming contests.
