Ashton Fox fired in a game-high 22 points Friday night to leadthe host Loyd Star Hornets to a 70-51 Division 6-2A win over theMadison St. Joseph Bruins. Fox also made 2 steals.

In girls action, Shannon Chester’s 21 points, 6 steals and 6assists sparked Loyd Star to a 72-57 victory over St. Joe.

Loyd Star visits Enterprise Tuesday for more division action.The junior varsity girls begin play at 4 p.m. followed by the JVboys, varsity girls and varsity boys.

Loyd Star 70, St. Joe 51

Loyd Star (10-2, 2-0) held a 37-25 lead over St. Joe (4-9, 0-2)at halftime. A 17-8 scoring run by the Hornets put them in chargegoing in to the fourth quarter with a 21-point, 54-33, lead.

“We started off slow, but picked it up in the second half,” saidLoyd Star boys coach Gene (Moochie) Britt. “We were able to geteasy layups and fast breaks. I am glad to get a win.”

Adding support in the Hornet’s win with 16 points and 10rebounds was Ron Jones. McKinley Hamilton scored 12 points andgrabbed 5 rebounds. Also collecting 10 rebounds was GlennThomas.

For the Bruins, Keith Barnes led the way with 13 points, 6rebounds, 4 steals and 2 assists. Phillip Jabour finished with 10points and 7 rebounds.

“We played well in the first half,” said St. Joe coach ScottPughsley. “But we played sloppy in the second half. We were able torun our offense in the first half and took good shots but westrayed away from that in the second half.”

Loyd Star 72, St. Joe 57

A 21-8 scoring run by the Loyd Star girls (10-2, 2-0) gave thema cushion going into the second quarter. At halftime, the Hornetscommanded a 40-19 lead over the Bruins (7-6, 1-1).

“We played pretty good in spurts,” said Loyd Star girls coachBilly Vaughn. “We still must play a complete game. St. Joe’s No. 4(Brittany Bailey) is a good offensive player. She is the best Ihave seen this year.”

The high scorer of the game was St. Joe’s 5-foot, junior pointguard Bailey who led with 48 points, 4 rebounds, 5 steals and 3assists. Grabbing 5 rebounds was Koasia Eldridge.

“Loyd Star is tough and always will be tough,” said St. Joegirls coach Keith Barnes. “We expected a dog fight. We played hardand fought hard to stay in the game. We’re just glad it did not getworse.”