The Loyd Star Hornets hosted a district matchup with the rival West Lincoln Bears Tuesday night with the Bears pulling out the victory 54-50. The Loyd Star Lady Hornets played an exciting game versus the Lady bears of West Lincoln, coming out on top 57-52.

West Lincoln 54, Loyd Star 50

Loyd Star seemed to be in control early to start the game, taking a 16-9 lead into the second period. West Lincoln came out fast to start the next quarter. However, Hornets senior guard Zac Arnold nailed a three-pointer to give Loyd Star the lead back. The Bears tied the game shortly after and continued to play well to end the first half with a 25-22 lead.

The Hornets brought themselves within one point to start the third quarter, then quickly retook the lead on another three pointer from Arnold. They continued building on their lead, but it wasn’t enough to stop a determined West Lincoln team as they tied the game again at 31. Both teams traded leads until over a minute remaining in the third quarter. Loyd Star took a 36-34 lead heading into the final quarter of play.

West Lincoln took the lead late once again and held on for the rest of the game, defeating Loyd Star by a score of 54-50.

“The boys played hard, but we just couldn’t get it at the end,” Loyd Star head coach Gene Britt said.  “Miscues hurt us. We need to learn to focus on the game.”

Loyd Star was lead by senior forward Adicuz Harris with 23 points and four rebounds. Arnold helped with the scoring with 13 points and four assists. Junior guard Cade Hodges scored 12 points and added on one steal, one assist and two rebounds. Junior guard Patrick Price scored eight points, three assists and three rebounds.

The West Lincoln Bears were led by junior guard Adam Martinez with 25 points. Junior forward Donterrius Taylor scored 12 points to help with the scoring load.

Lady Hornets 57, Lady Bears 52

The Loyd Star defense dominated the game early, holding West Lincoln to only 21 points in the first half. The results of a strong defensive presence in the first half gave the Lady Hornets a 29-21 lead at halftime.

Halfway through the third quarter, the Lady Hornets built a 41-30 lead and seized momentum early. As time was expiring in the third quarter, the Lady Bears managed to cut into the Lady Hornets lead and trailed 42-41 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Lady Hornets extended their lead to five points 46-41, to start off the final period. The Lady Bears refused to give up and cut into the Loyd Star lead. With over a minute left, the Lady Hornets were able to tie the game, but West Lincoln answered quickly and retook the lead. With 42 seconds left on the game clock, Loyd Star regained the lead and held out to win the district contest 57-52.

“We started off slow. West Lincoln’s defense kept throwing us off,” Britt said about his Lady Hornets. “I’m proud of the girls for fighting back into the game. It was good teamwork.”

Loyd Star was led by senior forward Mackenzie Smith with 20 points and eight rebounds. Senior guard Caylee Yarborough chipped in with 15 points, three rebounds and two steals as well. Senior guard Lydia Britt also helped with 10 points, three assists and three rebounds.

Loyd Star will be in action Friday as they host district leader Bassfield. West Lincoln will be on the road Friday night as they head to Prentiss. Tip off is scheduled for 6 p.m.