The Loyd Star Lady Hornets and the WessonCobras were victorious Friday night as both captured their firstRegion 6-2A games of the season in Loyd Star Gymnasium.

    In the girls’ game, the Lady Hornets managed to prevail 50-42 in aphysical battle against the Lady Cobras (6-6, 0-1).

    In boys action, the Cobras (8-4, 1-0) used their quickness tooverpower the Hornets 59-51.

    Wesson has the week off to celebrate Christmas before returning toaction Dec. 27 as they participate in Dexter’s Holiday Tournamentagainst Tylertown. The girls tip off at 6 p.m., followed by theboys.

    The Lady Hornets (11-3, 1-0) resume action Dec 29, as they takepart in Picayune’s two-day tournament. Loyd Star battles Picayuneat 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Perry Central, Friday at 1 p.m.

    The Hornets (6-6, 0-1) will take two weeks off to celebrate theHolidays before returning to action Jan. 3, when they host the EastMarion Eagles for another huge 6-2A district test.

Loyd Star 50, Wesson 42

    In the girls game, Loyd Star’s and Wesson’s faithful gathered withmuch anticipation, wearing their school colors, to watch their teambegin division action.

    The Hornets and Cobras provided their fans with excitement as theyengaged in a physical battle. Loyd Star took control in the firstquarter to grab a 15-8 lead. In the second quarter, Wesson ralliedand trimmed the lead down to 25-22 at halftime.

    In the second half, the Lady Cobras continued to fight hard as theytook advantage of Loyd Star’s foul troubles to tie the game at33-all after three quarters. In the fourth, the Lady Hornetsoutscored the Lady Cobras 17-9 to capture the win.

    Senior center Tyrisha Patterson pumped in a game-high 21 points tolead the Lady Hornets. Melody Smith contributed 13 points.

    “The girls did a great job stepping up in the fourth quarter anddid the things needed to win the game,” said Loyd Star coach BillyVaughn. “Wesson has a good team and did a excellent job fightingback in the third. Overall, we still have a long ways to go, so weneed to keep on improving.”

    The Lady Cobras were led offensively by senior guard Madison Rialswith 13 points. Elsie Miller provided 9 points.

    “We have been struggling to score offensively in the past threegames,” said Wesson coach Rusti Magee. “Basically it is thescenario: If you can’t score, you can not win games.”

Wesson 59, Loyd Star 51

    In the boys action, basketball fans witnessed a faster paced gameas the teams battled hard in a contest that was similar to thegirls game.

    Loyd Star jumped out and grabbed a 15-8 lead in the first quarter,but the Cobras rallied to capture the lead in the second and notlook back as Wesson outscored Loyd Star 36-19 before heading intothe final quarter.

    The Cobras had four players score in double figures as J.J. Suttonand Kaleb Skinner poured in a team-high 14 points apiece. TerryBrown contributed 13 points and Eddie McCullum added 10.

    “Loyd Star did a great job controlling the game. That took us outof our element,” said Wesson coach Rusty Newman. “I was proud tosee my guys fight back in this physical contest and pull out awin.”

    Junior forward Terion Williams pumped in a game-high 17 points andgrabbed 16 rebounds to lead the Hornets. Donovan Johnson provided10 points.

    “We played great for two and a half quarters,” said Loyd Star coachGene (Moochie) Britt. “In the second half, we made too many mentalmistakes that hurt us against a good and quick team like Wesson.Overall, I am pleased with our steady improvement, but we need toplay all four quarters.”

In junior high action, the Hornets and LadyHornets swept Wesson.

    In the girls game, the Lady Hornets crushed the Lady Cobras 56-13as Loyd Star’s Ali Gartman led the charge with 12 points. JulieSmith contributed 8 points and Hannah Dickerson added 7.

    Jashia Smith was the leading scorer for the Lady Cobras with 4points. Harmoni Ashley provided 3 points.

    In boys action, Loyd Star thumped the Cobras 37-21 as Levi Reddpumped in a game-high 16 points for the Hornets. Brad Jasper pouredin 9 points.

    The Cobras were lead offensively by Will Hulon’s 5 points. AnthonyJones and Max Daughdrill contributed 4 points apiece.