Loyd Star captured a pair of non-division victories over Salem Monday night at Loyd Star Gymnasium.

In the girls’ contest, the Lady Hornets thumped the Lady Wildcats 79-51.

In boys’ action, the Hornets rallied back in the second half to sting the Wildcats 47-42.

Loyd Star continues action today as it hosts Region 7-2A rival Enterprise for four games. Junior varsity action begins at 4 p.m., followed by the varsity games at 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Salem will also be in action today as it entertains Region 7-1A foe Bogue Chitto for three games. Junior varsity action starts at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity games at 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Lady Hornets 79, Lady Wildcats 51

The Lady Hornets quickly overpowered the Lady Wildcats to claim a 41-28 advantage at halftime.

Loyd Star outscored Salem 38-23 in the final two quarters to collect the win.

“Glad to get the win,” said Loyd Star coach Gene “Moochie” Britt. “The girls started the game off a little sluggish, but we managed to find our rhythm to grab a big lead. Overall, I was proud of their effort and glad to give everyone some playing time.”

Makenzie Smith pumped in a game-high 29 points, nine rebounds, six steals and two assists to lead the Lady Hornets. Lydia Britt chipped in 11 points and three steals. Jordan Shelby contributed eight points and six rebounds. Mandy Russell provided six points and four rebounds. Sarah Britt netted five points. Hannah Dickerson scored four points and had six rebounds. Katie West added three points. Caitlyn Beard and Carley Case finished with two points apiece.

Aliyah McGlown powered the Lady Wildcats with 22 points. Jasmyn Henderson contributed 14 points. Alvinyuanna Riley scored seven points.

Loyd Star 47, Salem 42

The Salem Wildcats jumped on the Hornets early with a 10-0 run and secured a 16-5 lead after one period. Loyd Star battled back to cut into Salem’s lead with a 15-10 run, but trailed the Wildcats 26-20 at halftime.

The Hornets put together a 27-16 push in the final two periods to sting the Wildcats.

“We were very fortunate to get the win,” said Britt. “Salem has a very good team and they came ready to play from the start. In the second half, our boys did a good job fighting back into the contest to get the win at the end.”

Levi Redd directed the Hornets with 19 points, nine rebounds and four steals. Javion Beard chipped in 13 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Cade Hodges provided eight points and three assists. Greg Hook scored seven points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Patrick Price finished with five rebounds.

Leonardrick Riley paced the Wildcats with 15 points. Julius Fault and Jerrion Couart contributed 11 points apiece.