UTICA — The Loyd Star Lady Hornets finished runners-up Fridaynight, falling 62-38 to the host Hinds AHS Lady Bulldogs in thechampionship game of the Division 6-2A basketball tournament atHinds Community College.

In the boys consolation game, Loyd Star clipped St. Andrew’s32-31 on a late jumper by Matthew Henderson.

The Loyd Star girls (20-10) will host Taylorsville Monday nightat 7 p.m., in the first round of the South State 2A playoffs.

The Hornets travel to Heidelberg Tuesday and play at 7 in thefirst round of the boys South State 2A.

Hinds AHS 62, Loyd Star 38

“Our (23) turnovers were terrible,” said Loyd Star girls coachJan Delaughter. “That pretty much killed us.”

Hinds AHS took advantage of a 21-6 run on Loyd Star in the firstquarter. At halftime, the hosts led the visitors 37-10. Going intothe final frame, Loyd Star trailed Hinds AHS 49-16.

Powering Loyd Star with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals wasShannon Chester. Dakota Brooks fired in 11 points, grabbed 3rebounds, made 3 steals and had 2 assists.

Hinds AHS got a game-high 24 points from Sondra Moncure.

Loyd Star 32, St. Andrew’s 31

The Hornets (19-11) were led in rebounding by Glen Thomas andRicky Barnes with 7 boards each. Ron Jones and Fox each had 5rebounds. Jones and Barnes both had 3 steals and Jones made 4assists. Matthew Henderson chipped in 5 assists.

Loyd Star called a timeout with 21 seconds left to play. With 8seconds showing, the Hornets got a jumper from the lane fromHenderson to win the game.

Loyd Star visits Heidelberg Tuesday in the opening round of theSouth 2A state playoffs.

“It was a slowdown game,” said Gene (Moochie) Britt. “St.Andrew’s almost beat Hinds doing that,” in the semifinals.

Named to the Region 6-2A team from Loyd Star were Haley Sonesand Chester (Player of the Year). Alexis Crosby of Wesson also wasnamed to the team. Wesson’s Brandt Hood was named the 6-2A Playerof the Year.