Loyd Star playmaker Monica Townsend showcased her speed andquickness Tuesday night, sparking the Lady Hornets to a 49-34triumph over the visiting West Lincoln girls. Townsend contributed17 points, 8 rebounds, 6 steals and 3 assists to the lopsidedvictory.

Playing an aggressive, half-court defense, the Lady Hornets(13-3) never allowed West Lincoln to establish its patient passinggame. It was the third win over the Lady Bears (6-12) thisseason.

“We wanted to play tough, half-court defense,” said Loyd Starcoach Lori Britt. “I played 10 people. Depth allowed us to pressand put more pressure on the ball.”

West Lincoln committed 21 turnovers. Sophomore point guard DanaKing led West Lincoln with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Sophomorecenter Hannah Payne contributed 14 rebounds.

“West Lincoln has a good, young team with good shooters,” saidBritt. “They are well-coached, too.”

While Townsend sprinted up and down the floor, senior centerChristie May was controlling the backboards. She finished with 12points and 12 rebounds. Senior guard Dana Coke pumped in 14 pointsand made 4 assists.

A steal and a layup by guard Chastity Avants gave the Lady Bearstheir last lead of the game at 12-11, with 4:14 left in the firsthalf. Coke countered with a steal and a layup, plus 2 free throws,giving Loyd Star permanent control at 18-12.

West Lincoln coach Jason Case said Loyd Star’s veterans made adifference. “Loyd Star has a senior ballclub. They have a lot ofexperience. My girls are young and they play hard.”

Loyd Star expanded a 21-15 halftime lead to 32-19 as Townsendand May netted back-to-back layups off steals. The Lady Hornetskept West Lincoln off the free throw line most of the game whilenetting 22 of 36 free shots themselves. West Lincoln was 0-for-3from the charity stripe.

Junior High Results

West Lincoln (12-2) beat Loyd Star 43-24 in the junior highgirls game, led by Lauren Smith’s 16 points. Erica Shaw added 12points and Alicia Kennedy 6.

Loyd Star got 12 points from Brittany Henderson. Jordan Brittand Amber Smith each netted 5 points.