The Loyd Star Hornets and Lady Hornets lost a pair of heart-breaking decisions to the Amite County Trojans Friday night in Region 7-2A basketball action at Loyd Star’s gymnasium.

In the girls’ contest, the Lady Trojans overpowered the Lady Hornets with their size to claim a 61-51 victory.

In boys’ action, Amite County rallied to edge the Hornets in the closing seconds 56-55.

Loyd Star resumes action Tuesday, as they prepare to visit their Lincoln County rival and new region opponent, West Lincoln, for four games. The junior varsity games begin at 4 p.m. The girls’ varsity game is set to tip off at 6 p.m., followed by the boys.

Amite County 61, Loyd Star 51 

The Lady Trojans and Lady Hornets provided a tough defensive game for the their basketball fans as the both teams fought hard, before the Lady Trojans managed to gain control to take a 30-19 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Lady Hornets (8-6, 0-1) battled back and did not let the Lady Trojans intimidate them with their size, and out scored Amite County 32-29 but failed to overcome the Lady Trojans’ large lead.

Sophomore Hannah Dickerson was the offensive leader for the Lady Hornets with 14 points. Marcy Given added 10 points. Jordan Shelby paced Loyd Star on the boards with eight rebounds.

“The girls played well,” said Loyd Star coach Gene “Moochie” Britt. “We managed to hang in there with a very good Amite County team in the first half and did a good job fighting back in the second half. Overall, I was proud of our hustle and team ball.”

The Lady Trojans had three players to score in double figures as DiThia Paplin led the offense with 16 points. Caimedia Patterson contributed 13 points, and Destiny Williams had 10 points.

Amite County 56, Loyd Star 55 

The boys’ game provided plenty of excitement for basketball fans as both teams fought hard in offensive and defensive contest.

In the first half, the Trojans commanded a 32-28 lead at halftime, before the Hornets took control in the third quarter by outscoring Amite County 21-16.

Loyd Star (11-3, 0-1) had a slim 49-48 lead to begin the fourth quarter and fought hard to maintain that edge as the Hornets were up by five points in the closing minutes before the Trojans rallied to steal away the win.

Edrick Alsworth pumped in a team-high double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Hornets. Brad Jasper chipped in with 14 points and had six rebounds. Levi Redd contributed 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

“This was a great game for both team,” said Britt. “We outplayed Amite County from start to finish, but crucial turnovers and missed free throws in the closing seconds hurt us at the end. Overall, I was pleased with the guys’ effort and team play. We had our chance to win the game, but let Amite County’s comeback spoil it.”

Terry Cameron was the top offensive leader for the Trojans with 16 points. Darion Robinson netted 14 points.