Sophomore center Ashton Williams scored 17 points and led LoydStar past visiting Franklin County 53-36 Monday night. Williamsalso had 7 rebounds and 2 steals.

In the varsity boys game, Franklin County’s Bulldogs turned backLoyd Star 62-59, led by forward Anthony Wilcher’s 19 points andBobby Henderson’s 16.

Loyd Star hosts West Lincoln Friday night for four games,starting with junior high action at 4 p.m. Franklin County resumesplay Jan. 3, in the Lawrence County Tournament.

The Lady Hornets (5-4, 2-2) were led in rebounding by pointguard Whitney Hedgepeth with 8 boards plus 3 assists and 2 steals.Jamakia Henderson had 7 rebounds and 5 steals for Coach LoriBritt’s squad.

Deidra Gant scored 15 points for Franklin County.

The Hornets (6-3) overcame a sluggish start to challengeFranklin County in the fading minutes. They trailed the Bulldogs30-17 at halftime.

“We were very cold the first half,’ said Loyd Star boys coachGene “Moochie” Britt. “We missed our first seven shots and theymade theirs. We outplayed them the second half but we missed 11free throws in the second half.”

Loyd Star rallied to tied the game late. The Bulldogs got a freethrow and a field goal to turn back the Hornets.

The Hornets (6-3) were led Jermaine Hunter with 9 rebounds.Barnes had 5 rebounds, 5 steals and 8 assists.

Junior Varsity Results

In a preliminary junior varsity boys game, Loyd Star posted a44-29 triumph, led by Brooks Case with 15 points. Josh Townsendadded 9 points and Jonathan Smith 7.

Franklin County got 8 points from Eddie O’Quinn and AndrewBell.

In an earlier JV game, Loyd Star beat St. Joseph 27-21, led byKordae Otis and Jeron Collins with 8 points

apiece. Josh Britt had 6 points.

Six points by Andrew Wright led St. Joe in scoring.