Jared Britt and the Loyd Star Hornets made a statement Tuesdaynight in Loyd Star’s gymnasium. Britt pumped in 30 points and theHornets upset Piney Woods 58-55 in a Division 6-2A showdown.

In the varsity girls game, Loyd Star turned back the Piney WoodsLady Tornadoes 57-46, powered by center Ava Brown’s 15 points and 9rebounds.

Loyd Star plays another important division twinbill Fridaynight, visiting division-leader McLaurin.

Britt, a junior guard, was a perfect 8-for-8 from the charityline. He also had 5 rebounds, made 3 steals and 2 assists as theHornets improved their record to 17-2 overall and 5-1 in thedivision race.

In the last 3:50 of the game, Britt, Jesse Sones and RufusHumphries combined to make 8 of 10 free throws to preserve the win.Sones tacked on the final point with 2.5 seconds showing on thescoreboard clock after PW guard Demetric Dent had missed a tyingfield goal.

“Our kids played hard and deserved to win,” said Loyd Star coachGene (Moochie) Britt. “This is the biggest win of the season. Ourcrowd got into the game and that made us feel good.”

Britt watched his Hornets make 16 of 26 free throws, including11 of 15 in the fourth quarter. “We made some key foul shots,hustled and rebounded well.”

Loyd Star enjoyed the double bonus at the charity line when theTornadoes picked up their 10th personal foul and 4:28 left in thegame. The Hornets were up 11 points, 49-28, at that point.

Dent, a muscular junior guard, sparked a determined comeback.The Tornadoes (9-5, 5-1) realized a 55-55 deadlock when Dentconnected from the left elbow and 19 seconds left to play. Brittnetted a pair of free throws with 13.5 seconds left and regainedthe lead.

“Jared Britt did a good job guarding Dent,” said Coach Britt.”Dent was averaging 20-some points a game.”

Dent finished with 17 points and 6-7 center James Williamsscored 14 points.

Loyd Star got 8 rebounds from senior center Jamie Johnson whowas in early foul trouble. The Hornets got 6 rebounds from SidneyChester. Sones had 5 rebounds.

The Hornets led 25-24 at halftime and were up 42-35 starting thefourth quarter after Britt swished a 3-point goal at thebuzzer.

The Lady Hornets (13-6, 5-1) survived anintense rally by the Lady Tornadoes (7-8, 4-2) who are coached byGary Bowan. Loyd Star had roared to a 33-11 halftime lead over thecold-shooting visitors. The hosts made 14 of 15 free throws thefirst half.

The PW girls reduced their deficit to 10 points, 38-28, at thestart of the fourth quarter but could come no closer.

“We relaxed in the third quarter and got a little sloppy,” saidLoyd Star girls coach Lori Britt. “They (PW) played physical and weplayed physical.”

Guard Jamakia Henderson followed Brown with 12 points, 7rebounds and 2 assists. Early in the third quarter, with Hendersonbreaking away for a layup, PW’s LaToya Crook and Jasmine Williamscrashed into the padded wall behind the goal and collapsed on thefloor. Williams, a slender post player, suffered a back injury anddidn’t play the remainder of the game.

Twelve points by Ayesha Johnson led the Lady Tornadoes inscoring. Valerie Robinson scored 10 points.

On the backboards, Ashton Williams had 8 rebounds for Loyd Star.Her jumper from the lane started a 6-0 run by the Lady Hornets.

In the JV boys game, Piney Woods posted a 50-34victory, led by Jim Hall and Casey Robinson with 15 points each.Loyd Star got 11 points from Tyler Williford, 9 from Brooks Caseand 6 from Dewayne Branning.