PUCKETT – Guard Jordan Williams pumped in 17 points and centerTyrisha Patterson added 15 as the Loyd Star Lady Hornets overcamethe loss of senior guard Erica Smith to a knee injury and defeatedPuckett 47-40 Friday night in Division 6-2A basketball action.Smith suffered a knee injury just 45 seconds into the game. Smithsustained a torn ACL two years ago in the other knee.

In the varsity boys game, Loyd Star beat Puckett 33-27 as ZachSmith scored 21 points in a defensive struggle.

Loyd Star hosts archrival Wesson Tuesday for Division 6-2A action,starting at 4 p.m. with junior varsity girls game, followed by a JVboys game.

The Lady Hornets (7-17, 4-5) got 14 rebounds from Patterson. MelodySmith and Karly Newell each had 9 rebounds and Maggie Redd 8 asLoyd Star accounted for 46 boards in the game.

Melody Smith had 2 steals and Williams made 6 assists. NatalieSmith made 4 assists. Newell and Patterson each blocked 2shots.

Loyd Star avenged a 2-point home loss to Puckett. The game was tied20-20 at halftime.

“We had a good fourth quarter,” said Loyd Star coach Billy Vaughn,recalling his team’s 20-point outburst. “We handled the adversitypretty well. We really needed to win this game.”

Puckett was led by Katty Neely’s 12 points.

The Hornets (4-16, 3-6) got 9 rebounds from Terion Williams. Smithhad 8 rebounds and Hunter Hooge 6.

Holden Butler had 4 assists and 3 steals for Loyd Star. JarrodBullock made 4 assists.

“We packed in a tight zone defense and made them shoot outside,said Loyd Star coach Gene (Moochie). “It was a slow game but wewon.”

Puckett got 16 points from Kejune Newsome.