BASSFIELD – The Loyd Star Hornets was the only Lincoln County team to capture a victory Tuesday night in Region 7-2A Tournament basketball action at Bassfield’s gymnasium.

The Hornets eliminated the East Marion Eagles 64-55.

With the win, Loyd Star advances to the semifinals Thursday and will battle the West Lincoln Bears for the fourth time this season. Game time is set to start at 5:30 p.m.

The Lady Hornets will also be in action Thursday as they prepare to start their run in the playoff against the East Marion Lady Eagles. They will tip off the tournament action at 4 p.m.

Loyd Star 64, East Marion 55 

The Loyd Star Hornets came out ready and determined to not go down without a fight with the season on the line as they battled the Eagles in a tough and physical contest.

In the opening quarter, the Hornets relied on their patience play to slow down the Eagles and grab a 14-10 lead and continued that same game plan in the second quarter to take a commanding 32-21 lead into halftime.

In the second half, East Marion surged back into the contest and outscored Loyd Star 18-14 in the third quarter, but the Hornets managed to regain their composure in the fourth quarter and defend off East Marion’s attack with key rebounds and crucial free throws throughout the rest of the contest to preserve the victory.

Sophomore forward Brad Jasper pumped in a team-high 19 points, 4 rebounds and had 3 blocked shot to lead four players in double figures for the Hornets. Caleb Yarborough contributed 18 points. Edrick Alsworth chipped in with 14 points and Levi Redd netted 13 points. La’Treall Smith and Alsworth were the leaders on the boards with 6 rebounds apiece.

“The guys played great offensively and defensively,” said Loyd Star coach Gene ‘Moochie’ Britt. “We did the big and little things we needed to get the win. It is always tough to play the same team three times in a season, but we knew we had to win to keep our season alive.”

Shavontae Coleman was the top scoring leader for the Eagles with 23 points. Antonio Barnes provided 14 points and Latoddric Fortenberry had 10 points.