BASSFIELD – Sophomore Keshaun London pumped in a game-high 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead four player in double figures as the West Lincoln Bears managed to outscore Loyd Star in the second and third quarter to claim a 68-51 victory over the Hornets at Bassfield’s gymnasium.

In local girls action, the Loyd Star Lady Hornets suffered a disappointing defeat after falling to the East Marion Lady Eagles 27-25 in a close and physical game.

Loyd Star’s girls and boys will resume action today. The Lady Hornets play Bassfield in the girls consolation game, starting at 4 p.m.

The Hornets will follow as they take on the Amite County Trojans in the boys consolation game, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

West Lincoln will battle for the boys region championship tonight against Bassfield, starting at 8:30 p.m.

East Marion 27, Loyd Star 25 

The Lady Hornets (14-11) came out strong and quickly set the tone of the contest after grabbing a 12-4 lead in the first quarter and cruised to a 15-8 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Lady Eagles rallied back into the contest by outscoring the Lady Hornets 19-10 and escaped with the victory.

Sophomore forward Jordan Shelby was the offensive and defensive leader for the Lady Hornets with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Julie Smith chipped in with 4 points.

“This was a physical game for both teams,” said Loyd Star coach Gene ‘Moochie’ Britt. “The fourth quarter was the turning point for us. East Marion made a strong run at the end and hit several key shots to steal the win from us. Overall, we missed a lot of shots under the goal and several key free throws which hurt us at the end.”

Audrianna Howard paced the Lady Eagles with 9 points.

West Lincoln 68, Loyd Star 51 

The West Lincoln Bears (24-4) and Loyd Star Hornets (17-8) battle for the fourth time this season as Jefferson County’s basketball fans witness two Lincoln County rivals battle neck-to-neck in the first half, before the Bears managed put together a late surge in the second quarter to take a 28-21 lead into halftime.

In the second half, West Lincoln went on 23-17 run in the third quarter to increase their lead over Loyd Star and held on in the fourth to secure the win.

Junior guard Duane Marshall was the second leading scorer for the Bears with 19 points and he also led on the boards with 7 rebounds. Sid Griffin chipped in 11 points to help spark West Lincoln’s run in the third quarter. Ronnie Edwards provided 10 points.

“Our defense was the difference in the game,” said West Lincoln coach Lane Young. “We took Loyd Star away from their offensive game plan.

“Sid Griffin gave us a big boost in the third quarter with three points that help us push our lead out,” continued Young. “It will be a tough assignment to beat Bassfield at their place tonight, but I think we are prepared for the challenge.”

Junior guard Caleb Yarborough powered the Hornets with 16 points. Brad Jasper netted 12 points. Edrick Alsworth contributed 11 points and led on the boards with 9 rebounds.

“We played really well in the first half,” said Britt. “A late surge by West Lincoln in the second quarter and a strong run in the third quarter hurt us. West Lincoln reserve Sid Griffin was the big difference maker of the game. Overall, I was very proud of my guys effort, but West Lincoln played a lot better than us last night.”