COLUMBIA – The Loyd Star Hornets captured a huge 91-61 victory over the East Marion Eagles Tuesday night in Region 7-2A action as Junior forward Edrick Alsworth pumped in a game-high 31 points to lead four players in double digits.

In the girls’ contest, the Lady Hornets saw their six game winning streak come to an end as the Lady Eagles prevailed 52-43.

Loyd Star resumes action Thursday as they prepare to visit Liberty to take on the Amite County Trojans in a make up game. The varsity girls will start the action at 6 p.m., followed by the boys.

East Marion 52, Loyd Star 43 

The Lady Hornets and Lady Eagles fought hard through a tough defensive battle in the first half as Loyd Star carried a 24-22 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Loyd Star (14-9, 6-3) continued to stay in command as they extended their lead 36-31 after three quarters of action.

In the fourth quarter, the Eagles soared back and out scored the Lady Hornets 21-8 to steal away the win.

Hannah Dickerson was the top shooter for Loyd Star with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Shelby Jordan topped the boards with 10 rebounds and 9 points.

“We played well enough to get the win, but foul trouble hurt us at the end,” said Loyd Star coach Gene ‘Moochie’ Britt. “The difference of the game was the fourth quarter as we had four starters foul out of the game.”

Audriana Howard paced the Lady Eagles with 14 points.

Loyd Star 91, East Marion 61 

The Hornets (16-6, 5-4) climbed back into the winner column as they hammered the Eagles early in the first quarter to take a 22-11 lead and cruised to a 54-30 lead at the half.

In the second half, the Hornets continued to roll as they overpowered the Eagles 39-31 to capture the win.

Caleb Yarborough contributed 25 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals to help lead the Hornets. Brad Jasper and Ryan Smith scored 11 points apiece. Levi Redd lead the charge on the boards with 7 rebounds.

“We came out strong and set the tone for the game early,” said Britt. “We knew coming in that this was a must win game for us and the guys performed well. Overall, I was very pleased with their effort and we had a well balance night both offensively and defensively.”

The Eagles had three players to score in double figures as Shavontae Coleman directed the pace with 18 points. Latoddric Fortenberry provided 14 points. Jermaine Burkett had 11 points.

In JV action,  The Loyd Star Hornets claimed a 29-25 overtime victory over East Marion.

Javion Beard paced the Hornets with 9 points. Gregory Hooks had 8 points.

Quincy Quinn and Devontae Rogers led the Eagles with 5 points apiece.