BOGUE CHITTO – Led by junior guard Jared Britt’s 15 points, theLoyd Star Hornets flexed their basketball muscles Tuesday night andoverpowered Bogue Chitto 67-40 in Calhoun Gymnasium. Britt also had7 rebounds and 7 steals as the Hornets won their season opener forveteran Coach Gene “Moochie” Britt.

Due to the state football playoffs, Loyd Star’s home date withEnterprise has been moved to Saturday night. Bogue Chitto’s Fridaynight games at Brookhaven have been postponed until a later date,also due to the playoffs.

“Our rebounding was good and we shot the ball well for the firstgame,” said Coach Britt. “We are looking for a good season.”

Led by 6-5 senior Jamie Johnson the Hornets dominated thebackboards. Johnson had 8 rebounds and 9 points. Josh Britt, a 6-5senior center and a newcomer to the squad, scored 11 points. SidneyChester had 6 rebounds.

Bogue Chitto, minus seven starters from last year, was alsomissing veteran guard Michael Blackwell, a quarterback on thefootball team who is recovering from two blood clots.

“We are young, young, young,” said Bogue Chitto boys coach TheoBlack. “We lost seven seniors and three kids who we were countingon decided not to play.”

Black said Blackwell was on blood-thinner medication to dissolvethe blood clots. Blackwell, a 6-foot junior, is expected to be outuntil January.

The Bobcats (0-2) got 12 points and 6 rebounds from 6-3 juniorcenter Irrie Catchings. He was the only player in doublefigures.

Junior guard Aaron Gill followed Catchings with 7 rebounds. TheBobcats trailed Loyd Star 30-19 at halftime and were down 18points, 46-27, entering the fourth quarter. Britt began wholesalesubstitutions.

Loyd Star also displayed some long-range shooting accuracy.Jesse Sone and Jared Britt both hit a pair of treys.

Junior High Results

In the preliminary junior high boys game, Bogue Chitto beat LoydStar 38-28, led by Dontae Ratcliff’s 20 points. Antonie Barnesadded 10 points and Steven Snow 5.

Eleven points each by Randy Fells and Gary Johnson paced theHornets.

Loyd Star 67, Bogue Chitto 40

Loyd Star (67) Jared Britt 15, Buckely 2, Humphries 2, JoshBritt 11, Case 4, Branning 4, Williford 1, Ratcliff 5, J. Smith 5,Sones 9, Johnson 9.

Bogue Chitto (40) Irrie Catchings 12, Brewer 7, Howard 3, D.Moak 6, Gill 2, Upkins 2, Smith 8.

Total fouls: Loyd Star 19. Bogue Chitto 16. Fouled out-D.Moak.

Free Throws M-A: Loyd Star 10-18. Bogue Chitto 7-13.

3-point goals: Jar. Britt 2, Sones 2, Ratcliff, Howard, N.Smith.