The Loyd Star Lady Hornets (7-7) ended 2018 with a 56-28 home court win over the Pisgah Lady Dragons on Friday night.

The Lady Hornets outhustled the Lady Dragons in the first half, as Pisgah was unable to handle Loyd Star’s press and pressure. Although the Lady Dragons played better defense in the third quarter, they were unable to overcome the Lady Hornets’ lead.

“We all shot a lot better than what we have been shooting,” Lady Hornet Taylor Smith said. “When we get up, we do tend to slack off a little bit.”

After a back and forth defensive start to the game, Loyd Star’s Aubrey Britt hit the game’s first basket.

By halfway through the first period, the Lady Hornets were up 11-1, and Loyd Star took a 16-9 lead into the second quarter.

The Lady Hornets opened up the second quarter hitting a 10-point run before the Lady Dragons could find the net off a three-pointer by Faith Ashley.

“We got off to a good start,” Lady Hornets Carly Beth Wallace said. “But we laid back after we were up. We really stepped up at the end.”

Loyd Star led 27-21 at half time.

Three minutes passed in the third before either team would score. Stealing the ball, Wallace drove down court for a layup that broke the scoring drought.

Although the Lady Dragons tried to fight back into the game, they were outshot 17-5 in the fourth period.

“I thought we had a good first quarter,” Lady Hornets coach Christi Terrell said. “We kind of backed off in the second quarter. It took us to about halfway through the third to pick back up and play consistent. A lot of our problem is (staying) consistent. We need to keep the tempo up on defense and do a better job controlling the other team’s offense. Overall, I’m proud of the girls and their effort.”

Wallace led the Lady Hornets with 17 points. Smith netted 12 points. Sarah Britt scored nine points and Aubrey Britt hit five points. TaMaria Townsend scored four points. Emily Douglas and Madison Falvey each made two points. Christie Patterson also had two points to finish the scoring for the Lady Hornets.

Loyd Star will return to the hardwood Jan. 8 when they take on region opponent Bogue Chitto.

Story by Dave Linton