After a 4-year absence, the Loyd Star girls made a triumphantreturn to Brookhaven’s Sinclair Gymnasium. Powered by guard JordanBritt’s 22 points, the Lady Hornets edged the Lady Panthers 49-44Monday night.

Loyd Star (2-1) had not played Brookhaven since 2000, in theBrookhaven Invitational. Lady Hornets’ head coach Lori Britt saidshe was happy to have Brookhaven back on the schedule because ofthe stronger competition.

“Brookhaven is a strong opponent and it’s close to home,” saidBritt. “It was an ugly game but I’m proud we found a way towin.”

Britt saw her daughter, Jordan, make 5 of 6 free throws in thefinal 12 seconds to preserve the win. She also had 8 rebounds and 2assists.

Loyd Star senior guard Shara Johnson also provided a boost downthe stretch, sacking 3 straight field goals as the Pantherscommitted a series of crucial turnovers. Johnson’s bank shot offthe glass gave Loyd Star a 41-37 lead with 3:19 left to play. Shealso had 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

“Shara gave us a spark with those three field goals,” saidBritt. “Our girls gave a good effort.”

The Hornets were clinging to a 42-41 lead when Britt skipped apass across the lane to center Hailey Ratcliff underneath for afield goal and a 44-41 margin with 42 seconds left in the game.Ratcliff, slowed by a sprained ankle, had 4 rebounds.

Brookhaven (0-2) got 14 points from guard Ashley Leggett,including a pair of fourth-quarter treys. As a team, the Panthersmade 16 of 37 field goal attempts and committed 16 turnovers. Theywere fresh from a 64-44 season-opening loss to Clinton in lastSaturday’s Ole Brook Shootout.

BHS head coach Billy Holmes said his team’s youth andinexperience were evident. “We didn’t take good shots. We also haveto make the shots inside. Our post players are inexperienced.”

Brookhaven got 10 rebounds and 5 blocked shots from freshmenfrom 6-1 freshman center Swayze Black. Point guard Blanche Wilsonhad 6 assists and 5 steals. Portia Dickey had 5 rebounds.

In the JV game, Brookhaven dominated 61-19 as KimyattaArnold tossed in 14 points. Kayla Harris and Sinitra Rivers scored12 apiece.