NATCHEZ – Adams County Christian School opened up another game with a solid first-quarter run to defeat Silliman Institute 59-47 on Monday night. The Rebels allowed just four points in the first quarter and scored 14.

Head coach Matthew Freeman said he preaches by limiting opponents to one-shot opportunities. If they can do that and execute well on offense, they can win any game they play. The game plan worked against the Wildcats as it has all season.

“This is the fourth game in a row where we’ve held opponents in single digits,” Freeman said. “I preach single-digit numbers every quarter, and we’ll win the game. Defensive intensity led to quick layups tonight, and we made a good chunk of our free throws.

CASC goaltender Tiqi Griffin led the Rebels with 18 points. Samuel Merriett scored 11 points and Kamron Barnes scored 10 points. Jamar Kaho Jr. scored eight points and would have made four players in double figures for CASC.

Early in the season, Freeman said he was concerned about his team’s ability to shoot free throws. Against Silliman, they showed improvement over the charity strip but still have some way to go.

He said they were a below average free throw shooting team and joined an average free throw shooting team. He said it takes rehearsal and simulation of game-like scenarios for players to get better at the free-throw line.

“In practice, you have to use them. I always shout free throws at the end of explosive drills to make it look as much like a game as possible,” Freeman said. “Although you don’t have fans in the stands, which can help you shoot free throws.”

CASC hosts Central Hinds on Tuesday night and will cross town to take on Cathedral on Thursday night. The Rebels got the better of Taylor Strahan’s team in their last game on the floor.

It was an intense environment when the schools played in December, and Freeman expects it to be intense on Thursday.

“I rely on us to manage the environment well,” Freeman said. “Both teams are struggling with COVID issues. Who knows who will be on the pitch, honestly. We had two starters with COVID today.