The Enterprise Lady Yellow Jackets played a slow game to take down region foe Loyd Star by a final score of 42-27 Friday.

The win moves the Enterprise girls to a 9-1 overall record, and they are undefeated in Region 7-2A play. The Lady Hornets drop to 1-1 in the region and are 7-6 overall.

“We’re a competitive team and played a competitive game,” said Lady Jackets senior Carlee Nations.

Using a slow and steady pace, the Lady Jackets managed to keep rival Loyd Star flat-footed throughout the game and controlled the tempo from start to finish. Loyd Star tried to speed up to generate some action, but Enterprise kept it low and slow all game.

The Lady Jackets dropped in the game’s first bucket and Loyd Star needed four minutes to find the net for the first time. A short first-quarter lead fell away, as Enterprise held onto the ball to limit Loyd Star’s possession and led the first quarter 14-8.

Loyd Star tried to chip away at the lead in the early second quarter, but Enterprise took control of the rim and grew their lead to go ahead 23-16 at halftime.

The third quarter was a stalemate, won by Enterprise 6-4. The Lady Yellow Jackets threw down a dozen points in the final period and kept Loyd Star at arm’s length, winning 42-27.

“I thought the girls played well. They limited Loyd Star to one shot pretty much for three periods,” Lady Jackets coach Shane Adams said. “I thought we played well defensively and on the board.”

Senior Carlee Nations led the Lady Jackets with 20 points, five rebounds, four steals and one assist. Senior Karlee Burges netted 10 points, four rebounds, one assist and three steals. Junior Britany Barnett shot seven points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Senior Eden Ward hit three points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Senior Monisha Pendleton finished the night with two points. Senior Jana Nations had four assists. Freshman Kaylie Burgess had one rebound.

The Lady Hornets were led by Junior center Sarah Britt with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Junior guard Meagan Poole, five rebounds and one assist, and Junior Forward Christie Patterson, six rebounds, one assist and two steals, shot three points each. Sophomore guard Carley Beth Wallace, two rebounds, and sophomore forward Ta Maria Townsend each hit three points as well. Sophomore Taylor Smith had two rebounds and two assists. Senior Marley Poole had three rebounds and one assist. Sophomore Malori Cade had one assist.

“The girls were in slow motion tonight,” Lady Hornets coach Gene Britt said.

Weather permitting, Loyd Star will be in action today against 3A district 8 West Marion.

Enterprise, weather permitting, will also be in action today as they take on Region 7-2A foe West Lincoln.

Story by Dave Linton