Wildcats squeeze past Loyd Star

SALEM – The Loyd Star Lady Hornets blasted the Salem Lady Wildcats to claim a 68-22 victory Thursday night at Walthall County.

In the boys’ contest, the Wildcats defeated the Hornets 70-65.

Loyd Star will continue action today as the Hornets and Lady Hornets travel across Lincoln County to battle Region 7-2A foe Enterprise in four games. Junior varsity action begins at 4 and 5 p.m., followed by the varsity games at 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Salem will also be in action today as the Wildcats visit Bogue Chitto for a big Region 7-1A test. Action begins with a junior varsity game at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity games at 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Lady Hornets 68, Salem 22

The Lady Hornets (10-1, 2-0) dominated the Lady Wildcats in the opening quarter to claim a 27-12 lead and cruised to a 43-20 halftime advantage.

In the second half, Loyd Star hammered Salem with 18-2 in the final two periods to secure the win.

“This was a great team effort from everyone,” said Loyd Star Gene “Moochie” Britt. “I was very pleased with their effort and glad to give everyone plenty of playing time.”

Jordan Shelby powered the Lady Hornets with 21 points and four rebounds. Makenzie Smith contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, five steals and three assists. Hannah Dickerson provided 11 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Lydia Britt chipped in five points. Faith Bergeron and Kaylea Smith scored four points each. Caylee Yarborough netted three points. Mandy Russell, Sarah Britt and Marley Poole had two points apiece.

Zoie Bridges paced the Lady Wildcats with 11 points. Jasmine Henderson finished with six points.

Salem 70, Loyd Star 65

The Wildcats and the Hornets battled to an 18-18 tie in first quarter, before Salem took control of the second with a 25-14 run.

Loyd Star (4-7, 0-2) outscored the Wildcats 33-27 in the final two quarters but it wasn’t enough.

“The second quarter was the difference of the game,” said Britt, “We played horrible. In the second half, the guys did a great job fighting back to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, but crucial mistakes at the end hurt us again.”

Javion Beard directed the Hornets with 27 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two assists. Levi Redd contributed 25 points, nine rebounds, five steals and two assists. Gregory Hooks netted five points and had three assists. Cade Hodges and Avery Leggett finished with four points apiece.

Leonardrick Riley was the top scorer for the Wildcats with 20 points. Julius Faulk chipped in 16 points. Jerrion Cowart had 10 points.