BOGUE CHITTO – The Bogue Chitto Lady Cats and the Loyd Star Hornets were victorious Tuesday night in Lincoln County basketball at the Bobcat Palace.

In the girls contest, the Lady Cats managed to keep their undefeated record safe after surviving a defensive battle against the Loyd Star Lady Hornets 47-39.

In the boys’ game, the Loyd Star Hornets kicked off their season with a 82-40 victory over the Bobcats.

Loyd Star resumes action Thursday as they prepare to welcome the St. Andrew Saints to Loyd Star’s gymnasium for four games in their home opener. Junior varsity action is set the begin at 4 p.m., followed by varsity action at 6 p.m.

Bogue Chitto will have a couple of days off before returning to action Friday when they visit McLaurin to battle the McLaurin Tigers for a pair of varsity games. The girls tip off at 6 p.m., followed by the boys.

BC 47, Loyd Star 39 

The Lady Cats and the Lady Hornets renewed their Lincoln County 2014-15 basketball rivalry Tuesday night with impressive defensive battle.

In the first quarter of action, the Lady Cats quickly set the tone of the game with a 12-4 run but the Lady Hornets would answered back in the second quarter with a 10-4 run as BC carried in a 16-14 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Lady Cats managed to break through Loyd Star pressure to outscore the Lady Hornets 23-13 in the third quarter to take a 39-27 lead into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, the Lady Hornets charged back with a 12-8 run of their own but could not overcome BC’s lead as the Lady Cats held on for the victory.

“Coming off an physical battle Monday night. I felt like our girls were little tired, but I was proud that they managed overcome the fatigue to capture the win,” said BC coach Christi Terrell. “Loyd Star has a good group of athletic girls and they fought hard to keep the game close.”

Zariah Matthews pumped in a game-high 22 points, seven rebounds, five steals and four assist to lead the Lady Cats. Karlie Williams contributed 12 points. Christian Black and Lauren McCaffrey lead on the boards with six rebounds apiece.

Marcey Givens was powered the Lady Hornets’ offense with 12 points. Hannah Dickerson chipped in with 10 points and six rebounds. Mackenzie Smith also helped on the boards with six rebounds.

“We struggle to hit our open shots against a good team like Bogue Chitto,” said Loyd Star coach Gene “Moochie” Britt. “Overall, I was pleased with the girls effort on defense, but we need to do a better job making our shot, if we want to compete.”

Loyd Star 82, BC 40 

The Loyd Star Hornets opened the season with a win as they managed to outscored the Bobcats 21-7 in the opening quarter and cruise to an 43-21 advantage at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Hornets’ offense caught fire with a 37-10 explosion to increase their lead to 80-31 before heading into the final quarter of action to claimed the win.

“We start of the first quarter a little sluggish, but manage to fight through our first game butterflies to secured the win,” said Britt. “Overall, I was very pleased with my guys efforts offensively and defensively.”

The Hornets had five players to score in double figures as Edrick Alsworth lead the charge with game-high double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds. Caleb Yarborough chipped in with 14 points and 10 assists. Brad Jasper contributed 12 points and helped on the boards with 11 rebounds. Levi Redd provided 14 points and Javion Bears scored 11 points.

Jeremiah Perkins was the top scorer for the Bobcats with 16 points and eight rebounds.

“Loyd Star has a good team,” said BC coach Mark Pitts. “We are a young team and our guys are working hard to get better everyday.”

In junior high action,  Bogue Chitto and Loyd Star captured a split decision in basketball action.

In the girls contest, the Loyd Star Lady Hornets nipped the BC Lady Cats 30-29. Andrea Butler powered the Lady Hornets with 13 points. Baileigh Jackson led the Lady Cats with 8 points.

In the boys’ game, the Bobcats knocked off the Hornets 42-34. Maliak Richardson drilled in a game-high 29 points for BC. Brent Cade was the top shooter for the Hornets with 13 points.