A margin of 10 points was all West Lincoln needed to win the Region 7-2A boys consolation game 46-36 over Loyd Star this past weekend.

The Bears controlled the tempo of the game from the get go. Loyd Star fought long and hard to keep West Lincoln from running away with the game, but ultimately failed at stopping the Bears.

“I’m proud of the boys for getting a bound back win against a county rival,” West Lincoln coach Brooks Smith said. “It was good for us to get the win, to keep us in the running for the playoffs. I thought Michael Brothern did a great job. We made free-throws when we needed to.”

Although Loyd Star struck first, West Lincoln managed to stay ahead of them. With two minutes left in the first, the game was tied. West Lincoln held a small 8-7 heading to the second quarter.

The Hornets started rallying in the second, causing turnovers. The Bears were able to regroup and led 22-17 at halftime.

Loyd Star opened up the second half causing turnovers and chipping away at the Bears’ lead. West Lincoln managed to get turnovers of their own to start separating from the Hornets. The Bears led 34-25 moving into the final quarter.

The Hornets fought to close up the gap, but West Lincoln once again caused turnovers to stay ahead of Loyd Star. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Bears had won by a final score of 46-36.

Senior Patrick Price led the Hornets with 10 points, and senior Titus Sims followed with nine. Junior Jett Calcote netted seven points and sophomore Stephen Mills shot six points. Junior Dane Smith finished with four points.

West Lincoln had three players make double digits. Senior Adam Martinez led the Bears with 18 points, and senior Le’Darrius Jones followed with 15 points. Sophomore Anthony Hughes netted 10 points. Junior Garrison Coffey finished with three points.

Story by Dave Linton