The Loyd Star Hornets and Lady Hornets swept the Madison St. Joseph Bruins in a pair of varsity basketball games Monday night at Loyd Star’s Gymnasium.

In the girls’ game, the Lady Hornets (2-1) managed to knock off the Lady Bruins 48-39 to secure their second win of the season.

In the boys’ contest, the Hornets (3-0) defeated the Bruins 78-67 to remain undefeated on the season.

Loyd Star will take the rest of the week off to enjoy the Thanksgiving holidays before resuming action Tuesday, Dec. 2 as the Hornets and Lady Hornets visit Vicksburg to take on the St. Aloysius Flashes for four games. Junior high action tips off at 4 p.m., followed by the varsity games at 6 p.m.

Loyd Star 48, St. Joe 39 

The Lady Hornets did not let the late start disrupt their focus as they came out strong to take a 15-11 lead in the first quarter of action.

In the second quarter of action, both teams fought hard in a evenly matchup contest as neither team could gain the upper hand as Loyd Star took a 26-22 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Lady Hornets relied on their aggressive defensive pressure to shutdown the Lady Bruins’ top scorer and win the scoring battle 22-17 in the final two quarters to secure the win for the holidays.

“We played really well defensively,” said Loyd Star coach Gene “Moochie” Britt. “St. Joe has a very good girls team. Overall, I was very pleased with my girls’ efforts. They fought hard throughout the game and shot the ball really well.”

Hannah Dickerson and Jordan Shelby powered the Lady Hornets attack with 12 points and five rebounds each. Marcy Givens contributed seven points and Megan Givens had six points. McKenzie Smith helped on the boards with four rebounds.

Nia German pumped in a game-high 28 points to lead the Lady Bruins. Bergeron Teeter netted five points.

Loyd Star 78, St. Joe 67 

The Hornets and Bruins provided an exciting game in a late contest for their basketball fans.

In the opening quarter, the Hornets set the tone of the contest early as they claimed a 22-16 lead. In the second quarter, the Bruins charge back to edge Loyd Star 18-17, but the Hornets carried a 39-34 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Loyd Star came out and struck quickly with a 21-14 run in the third quarter to have a commanding 60-48 lead before heading into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, the Bruins went on a 19-18 run but could not overcome the Hornets’ lead as Loyd Star secured a 78-67 victory.

“The guys did a great job playing team defensive against a very physical St. Joe ball club,” said Britt. “I was very pleased with my guys efforts and proud to get the win.”

Senior forward Edrick Alsworth conducted a game-high double-double performance for the Hornets with 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead four players in double figures. Brad Jasper contributed 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and three block shots. Caleb Yarborough chipped in 18 points. Levi Redd added 14 points and helped on the boards with seven rebounds.

Keoaka Trevillion was the top scorer for the Bruins with 16 points. Winford Ross provided 15 points.