Christmas came a few days early for Wesson girls coach JemmyeAnn Helms. The Lady Cobras presented her with a 57-52 upset victoryover host Loyd Star Friday night in Division 6-2A basketballaction.

It was the first division win for Helms who is in her secondyear at Wesson. The Lady Cobras improved their record to 2-9overall and 1-1 in the division, powered by waterbug freshman guardAlexis Crosby and hustling senior center Anna Johnson who scored 15and 14 points respectively. Johnson also pulled down 10rebounds.

“This is our first district win,” Helms pointed out. “Our girlshave worked hard and they played great tonight. They deservedit.”

Loyd Star (7-4, 1-1) nearly overcame a 9-point deficit in theclosing 2 minutes of the game. A trey by Kristen Newell pulled theLady Hornets within 3 points, 52-49, with 1:27 left to play. Wessonresponded as sophomore Christy Watson tossed in a free throw andfollowed with a clutch steal and layup for a 55-49 advantage with39 seconds left to play.

“Wesson wanted it more than our girls did,” said Loyd Star coachLori Britt. “They shot the ball well. We are not as big andphysical as Wesson and I knew that would cause us problems.”

When Shara Johnson, Loyd Star’s leading scorer, fouled out with2:45 left to play, the Lady Hornets were in serious trouble. Shefinished with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals.

The Lady Hornets got 13 points from Williams. Jordan Brittchipped in 9 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals. Sarah Lofton made 4assists.

Loyd Star claimed a 13-9, first-quarter lead on a trey byJohnson. Wesson realized a 21-21 deadlock when Crosby hit a shortjumper. Britt bagged a baseline jumper and Johnson sank a freethrow which pushed Loyd Star ahead 24-21 with 1:22 left in thefirst half.

A jumper by Wesson’s Hayley Carr cut the lead to 1 point, 24-23,at halftime.

Wesson took a 6-point, 32-26 lead early in the third quarterwhen Crosby sank a pair of treys and Anna Johnson cashed in 1 trey.In the fourth quarter, Wesson moved ahead by 9 points, 46-37, whenCarr made a pair of free throws with 5:20 left to play. Allenfinished with 7 rebounds

Junior High Girls

Wesson edged Loyd Star 37-35 in the junior high game as P.K.Furr pumped in 26 points for the Lady Cobras. Natasha Brown added 7points.

Loyd Star got 12 points from Dakota Brooks. Shannon Chesternetted 9 points and Alysha Johnson 8.