Free throws proved to be decisive Tuesday night in Jack CaseGymnasium. The West Lincoln girls made 10 of 12 free throws in thefourth quarter, holding off the Loyd Star Lady Hornets 58-51 in anintense struggle.

In the final minute of the game, West Lincoln made 7 of 8 freethrows. Guard Dana King netted 3 of 4 freebies, center HannahJohnson 2 of 2 and guard Chastity Avants 2 of 2.

“Free throws won it for us,” said West Lincoln coach AndySmithie. “We were able to handle their man-to-man defense, evenwith them in our face.”

Directing the victory was King with 15 points and 4 assists.Johnson added 12 points and 3 assists. Guard Lauren Smith chippedin 10 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists for the Lady Bears whoimproved their record to 14-3.

Loyd Star made a strong challenge last night. The Lady Hornetsgot a 17-foot field goal from Jamakia Henderson and a trey fromBeth Smith to claim a 41-40 lead with 58 seconds left in the thirdquarter. Johnson’s short jumper reclaimed the lead for West Lincolnat 42-41 as the quarter ended.

King took control of the game early in the fourth. She sank adriving layup and then scored off an assist from Smith to give theLady Bears a 48-44 advantage with with 3:31 left to play.

Loyd Star girls coach Lori Britt said she was encouraged by heryouthful team’s effort. “We played aggressive man-to-man defenseand we made our free throws.” The Lady Hornets made 14 of 19 at thecharity line.

Offensively, the Lady Hornets (8-6) were led by Beth Smith andHenderson with 15 points each. Jordan Britt added 13 points and 3assists. Whitney Hedgepeth made 4 assists.

Ashton Williams grabbed 5 rebounds for Loyd Star. Ava Brown had4 rebounds. Smith accounted for 4 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.

In a JV girls game, West Lincoln posted a 19-14 win, led byChristine Hunt and Lyndsay Franklin with 5 points and Kala Shawwith 4.

Loyd Star got 5 points from Sarah Lofton and 4 from SharaJohnson.

West Lincoln hosts St. Aloysius Friday night. Loyd Star playstwo more road games this week, visiting Natchez Cathedral Thursdaynight and St. Andrew’s Saturday.