The Loyd Star Hornets (11-7) stepped out in region play on Tuesday to defeat the West Marion Trojans 76-50 in Hornetsville.

Although Loyd Star started off the game slowly, they were able to pick up the pace as they gained separation by halftime. West Marion fought to stay in the game but were unable to overcome the hole that they had been facing all game long.

“We played good,” Hornets senior Dane Smith said. “We had a player sick and other players stepped up. We played more as a team than we have been lately, and it showed.”

Neither team could fully separate themselves in the first quarter as both teams went back and forth on scoring, with several lead changes. 

By the time the first quarter ended, Loyd Star coach Seth Britt’s Hornets took over the lead as Smith nailed a 3-pointer to give Loyd Star a slim 16-15 lead.

Both teams would continue to battle back and forth in the second quarter.

The Hornets would build enough momentum in the closing minutes of the first half to lead 37-25 at halftime.

With four minutes left in the third quarter the Hornets, up 48-29, gained control of the game.

Loyd Star led 54-33 heading into the final frame of play.

West Marion attempted to rally in the final quarter as they hit five three-pointers.

The Hornets quickly regained their composure to keep the Trojans from fully coming back from behind.

With just under four minutes left to play, Britt cleared his bench and the subs were able to keep the momentum that the starters had built.

“Tonight was a big win for us against 3A West Marion,” said Britt. “Now we have to prepare for West Lincoln. If the boys come out with the same intensity that we had tonight, I think it will be a good game. Dane Smith played a great ball game for us tonight. Overall, it was the first game we played as a team in a while.”

Loyd Star had three players hit double digits. Smith led the Hornets with 27 points. Senior Jett Calcote abd junior Reese DeHart scored 10 points apiece.  Senior Zabien Price made seven points and senior Zaycheous Vaughn had six points. Sophomore Will McCullough chipped in five points and junior Stephen Mills hit four points. Payton Morse, Micah Calcote, and Gabe Netterville scored two points apiece. Freshman Nathan Calcote finished the scoring for the Hornets with one point.   

West Lincoln hosts the Loyd Star Hornets Friday.

Story by Dave Linton