BOGUE CHITTO – The Bogue Chitto Lady Cats secured the Lincoln County tournament girls’ crown for the third year in a row after defeating the Loyd Star Lady Hornets 30-24 Saturday night in basketball action at the Bobcats Palace.

“We started the game in the first quarter ready to play and were aggressive,” BC Christi Terrell said. “The next three quarters we were zoned out, laid back and became very passive. We are proud to get the win tonight. The girls played so hard; we just have to do a better job offensively. I love the girls and am proud of their effort!”

Bogue Chitto resumes action Monday as they prepare to host the Salem Wildcats for three games. Junior varsity boys’ action starts at 5 p.m. followed by varsity games at 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Bogue Chitto 30, Loyd Star 24 

The Lady Cats (11-2) came out on fire and quickly set the tone of the contest with a 13-1 run in the first quarter.

Loyd Star rallied back in the second quarter with a 9-4 run to cut down the Lady Cats lead to 17-10 at halftime.

In the second half, the Lady Cats and Lady Hornets fought back and forth in the final two frames as BC nip Loyd Star 13-12 to captured their third straight tournament crown undefeated.

Zariah Matthew powered the Lady Cats with a game-high 14 points, nine steals and three rebounds. Karlie Williams and Christian Black contributed five points apiece. Black gathered four rebounds. Terrah Nelson netted four points and Taneshia May score two points and had five rebounds.

Toni Banks directed the Lady Hornets (6-3) with eight points, four rebounds and three assists. Shelby Jordan chipped in with seven points and had five rebounds. Hannah Dickerson provided five points, four rebounds and two blocked shots. Mackenzie Smith and Lydia Britt had two points each.

“The girls played hard overall, but we came out flat to start the contest against Bogue Chitto,” Loyd Star coach Gene “Moochie” Britt said. “Throughout the rest of the game, we had to battle from behind. We had our chances to win the game but missed crucial shots at the end when we needed them.”