The Loyd Star Hornets and Lady Hornets were victorious in Region 7-2A basketball action Friday night as they swept the West Lincoln Bears in a pair of varsity games at Loyd Star’s Gymnasium.

In the girls’ contest, the Lady Hornets defeated the Lady Bears 60-43.

In boys’ action, the Hornets captured a big 73-59 victory over the Bears.

Loyd Star returns to action Tuesday as they prepare to travel to Bassfield to take on the Bassfield Yellowjackets for more district action. The junior varsity girls are schedule to tip off at 5 p.m., followed by a pair of varsity games.

West Lincoln will also see action Tuesday night as they return home to host the East Marion Eagles for three games. The junior varsity boys begin action at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity girls’ and boys’ games at 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Loyd Star 60, West Lincoln 43 

The Lady Bears and the Lady Hornets provided an exciting defensive contest in the first half of action as both teams battle back and forth in a close contest as Loyd Star managed to claim a 14-10 lead in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the battle continued as the Lady Hornets nipped the Lady Bears 10-9 to take a 24-19 lead into halftime.

In the second half, both teams scored 12-points apiece in the third quarter as Loyd Star managed to hold onto their 5-point lead at 36-31.

In the final quarter of action, the Lady Hornets (11-3) outscored the Lady Bears 24-12 to secured the win.

“The girls played really well in the second half to pull away from West Lincoln in a close ball game,” said Loyd Star coach Gene “Moochie” Britt. “Marcey Givens stepped up big scoring all of her points in third and fourth quarters. Overall, I was very please with our team defense and bench play.”

Senior forward Marcey Givens pumped in a game-high 21 points to lead the Lady Hornets. Jordan Shelby contributed seven points, five assists and led on the board with five rebounds. Hannah Dickerson, Victoria Cupit, McKenzie Smith and Megan Givens provided six points apiece. Dickerson grabbed four rebounds.

Layton Sill and Hanna Moak were the top scorers for the Lady Bears (4-12, 0-2) with 13 points apiece. Demeshia Deer chipped in with eight points, and Carly Holden added six points.

Loyd Star 73, West Lincoln 59 

In the boys contest, Loyd Star and West Lincoln provided a similar defensive battle just like it was in the girls’ game, the Bears managed to top out on top after one quarter of action at 15-13.

In the second quarter of play, the Hornets charged to reclaim the lead with a 20-15 run to take a 33-30 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Loyd Star came out and managed to outscore the Bears 22-15 to increase their lead to 55-45 at the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth period, the Bears and the Hornets provided an offensive show as West Lincoln (5-11, 0-2) tried to rally back, but Loyd Star managed to deny the attempt with a 18-14 run to claim the victory.

“The boys game was pretty much similar to the girls game,” said Britt. “The guys played well in the second half to get the win. Brad Jasper played a great game, that is best that I have seen from him this season. Overall, I was pleased with their effort and glad to get the win.”

The Hornets (11-3, 1-0) had four players to score in double figures as Brad Jasper led the charge with a game-high performance of 28 points and six rebounds. Edrick Alsworth had double-double night of 13 points and 12 rebounds. Levi Redd chipped in with 13 points. Caleb Yarborough netted 11 points and had five assists.

Ronnie Edwards directed the Bears’ offense with a team-high 25 points. Keshaun London contributed 21 points.

In junior varsity boys action,  West Lincoln edged Loyd Star 44-42.

Landon Lynch and Donterrius Taylor led the Bears with 13 points each. Zakenith Porter contributed 10 points.

Zac Arnold paced the Hornets with 14 points. Patrick Price provided 10 points and Gregory Hooks had nine points.