BAY SPRINGS – Point guard Kristi Martin sacked 31 points inleading the Bay Springs Lady Bulldogs to a 68-59 Monday nightvictory over the Loyd Star Lady Hornets in the opening round of theSouth Mississippi Girls Class 2A state playoffs. Teammate KarenClayton added 23 points.

Bay Springs (25-10) advances to the South 2A semifinals Fridaynight.

The Lady Hornets (20-8) were led by center Christie May with 26points and 20 rebounds. Beck Smith had 8 rebounds and Leah Smith 7.Monica Townsend made 7 assists and Dana Coke had 4.

“Overall, Bay Springs was a lot quicker than we were,” said LoydStar coach Lori Britt. “They moved the ball real well.”

“Martin had a quick first step,” said Britt. “She was able topenetrate the lane real well.

“Our girls played hard but Bay Springs was a little bit deeper,”said Britt. “They were quicker and that made a difference in thefourth quarter.”

Loyd Star loses seven seniors, including four starters: May,Townsend, Coke and Leah Smith.

Hinds AHS, the Division 6-2A champion, lost 63-50 to Newton lastnight.