Loyd Star’s run-and-gun offense was firing on all cylindersFriday night. The unbeaten Hornets climbed to 5-0 on the seasonwith an 88-76 triumph over the Amite County Trojans, powered byguard Ashton Fox’s 26 points.

Fox had plenty of support in double digits as Glenn Thomastossed in 22 points, DeAndre Butler and McKinley Hamilton 13 apieceand Joseph Shelby 10.

In the varsity girls game, unbeaten Loyd Star cruised to a 40-20win over the visiting Lady Trojans, sparked by seniors ShannonChester and Haley Sones with 13 points each.

The Hornets (5-0) fell behind 9-2 in the early going butregrouped and led 43-39 at halftime. Loyd Star coach Gene (Moochie)Britt credited the turnaround to an adjustment on defense.

“When we went to our zone, we scored six straight baskets,” saidBritt. “We played zone and that took away their (Trojans) passinggame.”

Fox had 16 of his points in the first half and Thomas had12.

“All five of our starters can score and are subs (reserves) can,too,” said Britt. “We play well as a team and our players areunselfish.”

Britt’s team had 12 turnovers but compensated with 15 steals.Hamilton grabbed 10 rebounds and Fox 9. Thomas had 6 rebounds and 3assists.

The Trojans (0-4), still looking for a win under first-year headcoach Byron Garner, got 24 points from Justin Patterson.

The Lady Hornets (5-0), powered by All-Lincoln County standoutsSones and Chester, dominated the Amite County girls who remainwinless in 5 games. They zoomed to a 23-9 halftime lead.

“We played in spurts,” said Loyd Star coach Billy Vaughn. “Wemust shoot our free throws better. We have to work on that.”

Chester contributed 10 rebounds and 3 steals the win. Sonesadded 7 rebounds 4 steals and 3 blocked shots.

Vaughn watched his team make 13 of 30 from the charity line. Heis missing 3 starters from last year’s team but newcomers arestepping up.

Loyd Star sophomore Erica Smith had 7 rebounds and 3 steals.Junior guard Leah Britt had 7 rebounds and 6 assists. SophomoreSarah Falvey made 4 steals.

Leading 45-18 with 5 minutes left to play, Vaughn was able toclear his bench.

The Lady Trojans, coached by Shaun Handy, got 8 points fromCikia Patterson.

In the JV game, Loyd Star’s boys notched a 39-28 triumph, pacedby Zach Smith’s 16 points. Chase Catchings added 9 points andPreston Hebert 6 and D’Arion Newton 5.

The Trojans got 7 points from Yohance Bailey and 6 from TreyBates.