LIBERTY – The Loyd Star Hornets and Lady Hornets battle in two close games Friday night for the Region 7-2A crown, but came away empty handed with two disappointing setbacks at Amite County.

In the girls championship contest, the Lady Hornets lost 50-45 to the Amite County Lady Trojans.

In boys championship action, the Bassfield Yellowjackets defended their championship crown with a 55-50 win over Loyd Star.

Loyd Star will host the opening round of the Class 2A State playoff Monday and Tuesday for both the girls and boys teams.

The Lady Hornets (19-6) will host the St. Joseph Lady Bruins Monday at 7 p.m.

The Hornets (19-6) entertains the Pisgah Dragons Tuesday for 7 p.m. showdown.

Amite County 50, Loyd Star 45 

The Lady Hornets and the Lady Trojans battle in a close first quarter of action as both teams ended in a tie at 8-all.

In the second quarter, the Lady Trojans managed to gain the upper hand on the Lady Hornets with a 15-9 run to take a 23-17 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Amite County continued to increase their lead with a 14-11 run to have a 37-28 lead after three quarter of action.

In the fourth quarter, the Lady Hornets managed to put together a 17-13 run but fell short as the Lady Trojans held on for the win.

“The girls played really well against the No. 2 team in the state,” said Loyd Star coach Gene “Moochie Britt. “We shot the ball really well offensively and played hard on defense. Overall, I was very please with their effort. I hope we can continue the momentum Monday as we get ready for the Class 2A State playoffs.”

Marcey Givens pumped in a game-high 23 points, along with seven three-pointers, to lead the Lady Hornets. She also had three rebounds, two assists and one steals. Hannah Dickerson was the second leading scorer with 11 points and six rebounds. Mackenzie Smith scored five points and had three rebounds.

Destiny Williams powered the Lady Trojans with 20 points. Cameral Patterson contributed 12 points and Fredricka Smith added 10 points.

Bassfield 55, Loyd Star 50 

The Loyd Star Hornets enter into the contest searching for their first division championship since 1999 while Bassfield was looking to retain their championship crown.

In the opening quarter, the Hornets quickly jumped out to claim a 16-12 lead after one quarter of action.

In the second quarter, Bassfield rallied back with a 13-11 run as Loyd Star took a 27-25 lead into halftime.

In the third period, Bassfield came out and continue their hot shooting with a 19-4 push to end the third period.

In the fourth quarter, the Hornets managed to get their offensive shooting back in rhythm and went on a 19-11 run but fell short in their comeback attempt.

“The guys played really well in the first half, but the three quarter was the difference on the game,” said Britt. “Overall, I was please with the effort, but need to do a better job as we get ready for the playoffs.”

Levi Redd was the offensive leader for the Hornets with 19 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Caleb Yarborough contributed 10 points. Edrick Alsworth chipped in with nine points and had nine rebounds. Javion Beard scored eight points.

Jamal Peter direct the Yellowjackets with 16 points. Xavier Harper netted 15 points and Tyrique Smith added 10 points.