The Loyd Star Hornets (14-7, 5-0) remained perfect in Region 7-2A as they beat Bogue Chitto Bobcats (5-18, 1-4) for the third time this season on Friday night by a final score of 66-41.

Loyd Star relied on their defensive pressure and winning on the backboard to stay out in front of the Bobcats throughout the first half. The Hornets didn’t slack up in the second half as they never allowed Bogue Chitto to come close.

“It was a big win for us at home against a region opponent,” Loyd Star coach Seth Britt said. “Anytime we can get a region win, it’s important. Dane Smith had a good game tonight.”

With the game tied 7-7 with under four minutes left in the first Smith broke the tie for Loyd Star.

The Hornets would build on their lead as their defense kept the Bobcats under double digits at the end of the first, holding them just nine points.

Heading into the second quarter, Loyd Star was up 25-9.

“Defensively, I thought we played really well,” said Britt. “At times we were sloppy on offense though. Overall, I’m proud of the guys and that they fought throughout the game and were able to take the win.”

Loyd Star led 35-18 at halftime.

The Hornets opened the second half hitting an eight-point run before Cameron Gladdens of Bogue Chitto would end the run making 1-of-2 from the line.

In the third quarter the Hornets began to play above the rim as Smith stuffed home a slam on a missed Jett Calcote shot and then Zaycheous Vaughn flushed home another dunk off a Smith miss.

Loyd Star had two players hit double digits led by Smith with a team high 21 points. Calcote netted 11 points. Vaughn hit six points. Stephen Mills, Zabien Price, ande Reese Dehart each had five points apiece. Nathan Calcote scored three points. Brent Cade, Micah Calcote, Peyton, Morse, Gabe Netterville, and Wyatt Hodges each had two points apiece.

Lincoln Collins and Warrick Cook scored nine points apiece for the Bobcats. Zach Upkins hit eight points. Antonio Lang made six points and Markee Magee scored four points. Gladden had three points and Tyler Nelhig finished the scoring for Bogue Chitto with two points.

Story by Dave Linton