The Loyd Star Hornets and Lady Hornets swept the St. Andrews Saints in their home opener Thursday night in the Loyd Star Gymnasium.

In the girls’ contest, the Lady Hornets sting the Lady Saints 48-29.

In the boys’ game, the Hornets thump the Saints 75-52.

In junior varsity action, Loyd Star was victorious in both the boys and girls’ contest. The Lady Hornets drilled St. Andrews 31-11. Loyd Star defeated the Saints 37-24.

Loyd Star returns to action Monday night as they prepare to host the St. Joseph Bruins for three games. The junior varsity boys begin the action at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity girls’ and boys’ action.

Loyd Star 48, St. Andrews 29 

The Lady Hornets (1-1) captured their first win of the season with a dominating performance over St. Andrews at home. Loyd Star quickly set the tone of the game in the opening quarter with a 16-8 run and continued to overwhelm the Lady Saints with a 11-1 explosion in the second quarter to take a commanding 27-9 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Lady Hornets lightened up on the offensive gas pedal but still played aggressive on defense to win the scoring battle 21-17 to claim the victory.

“The girls did a great job playing together as a team,” said Loyd Star coach Gene “Moochie” Britt. “I was very pleased with their efforts, and I was also glad to give everyone plenty of playing time.”

Loyd Star provided a balanced scoring attack as everyone had a chance to play. Hannah Dickerson and Jordan Shelby lead the charge for the Lady Hornets with eight points and five rebounds piece. Mackenzie Smith, Megan Givens and Toni Banks contributed five points each. Smith helped out on the boards with four rebounds.

Kayla Turner was the top scorer for the Lady Saints with seven points. Olivia Becker and Yesania Davis provided six points each.

Loyd Star 75, St. Andrews 52 

The Hornets kicked off their season home opener fired up as they quickly dominated the Saints in the first quarter of action with a 23-7 explosion.

In the second quarter, the Saints rally back to outscored Loyd Star 19-18, but the Hornets took a commanding 41-26 lead into halftime.

In the final two quarters of action, the Hornets relied on the strong offensive and defensive pressure to keep the Saints off balance winning the scoring bout 34-26.

“I was extremely proud of the guys’ efforts,” said Britt. “We played really well offensively and defensively.”

Loyd Star had three players to score in double figures as senior guard Caleb Yarborough led the pace with 18 points. Levi Redd had a double-double performance with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Edrick Alsworth chipped in with 16 points. Brad Jasper and Javion Beard provided nine points apiece. Javion Beards also helped on the boards with eight rebounds.

Parker Prather was the top shooter for the Saints with a team-high 17 points. Jack Walker netted 11 points.

In junior varsity action,  the Lady Hornets drilled the Lady Saints 31-11. Kaylea Smith directed the charge for Loyd Star with nine points. Katie West added six points.

Kristen Boykin led the Lady Saints’ offense with six points

In the boys contest, the Hornets knocked off St. Andrews 37-24. Zach Arnold pumped in a game-high 16 points to lead Loyd Star. Greg Hook contributed 14 points.

William Morse powered the Saints’ offense with six points.