The Bears roared in a huge second half at Loyd Star Friday night, coming from behind to steal a 60-41 win from Loyd Star.

The victory gives West Lincoln an 8-8 overall record, 1-1 in Region 7-2A play. Loyd Star falls to 2-1 in the region and 6-8 overall.

West Lincoln’s offense turned it up a notch in the second half, outshooting the Hornets 47-17. Loyd Star tried to get back some of its first-half mojo but was unable to muster enough offense to stay even with the Bears.

“We scored more points in the second half by ourselves than what Loyd Star scored the whole game,” West Lincoln coach Brooks Smith said. “If we do that for two halves, then we’re in good shape. I thought we moved the ball better in the second half and got better shots.”

Loyd Star started off fast, finding the net first. The Bears were unable to get into the scorebook until halfway through the first period, but fought back strong in the final minutes of the opener to trail 11-10 going into the second quarter.

It took more than two minutes in the second period before either team managed to score, with Loyd Star breaking up the scoreless drives. The Hornets started to get warm as they were able to build onto their lead, keeping the Bears off the board until a minute left before halftime.

With time running out before half, West Lincoln attempted to cut into the lead, but watched as the Hornets led 24-15 at the buzzer.

The third period saw the Bears come out hot, as they were able to hold Loyd Star in check and limit the Hornets to just three points. West Lincoln came out of the third on top 37-27, and Loyd Star was in trouble.

The Bears stayed hot in the final period, outshooting Loyd star 23-14, despite the Hornets attempting to make it into a game. West Lincoln won by a final score of 60-41.

“In the third quarter it seemed like we couldn’t do anything right. We couldn’t make shots and couldn’t pass the ball,” Loyd Star coach Gene Britt said. “West Lincoln got their momentum going and were making their shots, and they hurt us pretty bad on their three-pointer shots. First half we outplayed them, the second half they outplayed us.”

West Lincoln had four players hit double digits. Senior Adam Martinez led the Bears with 13 points, five rebounds and one assist. Senior Ledarrius Jones netted 12 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and one assist. Senior Donterrius Taylor shot 12 points, three rebounds, one steal and one assist. Junior Garrison Coffey made 12 points, four rebounds, one steal and two assists. Sophomore Karlton Byrd hit seven points, two rebounds, one steal and three assists. Senior Chase Owen finished the night with four points, two rebounds and one assist. Sophomore Michael Brothern had four rebounds and two steals.

Junior forward Dane Smith led Loyd Star with 24 points and eight rebounds. Senior forward Patrick Price netted six points, seven rebounds, four steals and one assist. Senior Titus Sims shot six points, six rebounds and one steal. Junior guard Jett Calcote made four points, one steal and one assist. Junior forward Zabian Price finished the night with three points, four rebounds, one steal and three assists. Junior Micah Calcote had one assist.

Loyd Star will be in action tonight as they take on Region 7-2A opponent Amite County.

West Lincoln will also be in action tonight as they take on Region 7-2A foe Bogue Chitto.

Story by Dave Linton