The Loyd Star Hornet and Lady Hornets survived a defensive battle to sweep the Enterprise Yellow Jackets in four straight games in a big Region 7-2A test Tuesday night in Enterprise Gymnasium.

In the girls contest, the Lady Hornets put together a fourth quarter rally to elude the Lady Jackets 32-31.

In the boys game, the Hornets high powered offense was too much for the Jackets to handle as Loyd Star prevailed 77-55.

Loyd Star returns home for another huge divisional test Friday night as they host the East Marion Eagles for three games. The junior varsity boys are schedule to tip off at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity girls at 6 p.m., and varsity boys at 7:30 p.m.

Enterprise will also be in action Friday night as they travel across Lincoln County to take on their Lincoln County/Region rivals, the West Lincoln Bears, for three games at Jack Case Gymnasium. Junior varsity action tips off at 5 p.m., followed by a pair varsity games starting at 6 p.m. for the girls and 7:30 p.m. for the boys.

Loyd Star 32, Enterprise 31 

The Lady Jackets the Lady Hornets provided an exciting low scoring defensive battle for their basketball fans throughout the whole game as Enterprise took an early 5-2 lead after one quarter of action.

In the second quarter, the Lady Jackets (13-11, 1-7) continued their aggressiveness on defense as they kept the Lady Hornets off balance and increase their lead with a 13-7 run to lead 18-9 at halftime.

In the third period of action, the Lady Hornets (16-4, 6-1) came out and managed to fight their way back in the contest with a 10-7 run to cut Enterprise lead down to 25-19 before entering the final period.

In the fourth quarter, Loyd Star continued their fight as they outscored Enterprise 13-6 to edge the Lady Jackets in the end..

“The girls did a great job fighting back in the second half to collect the win,” said Loyd Star coach Gene “Moochie” Britt. “We managed to shoot the ball a lot better in the second half and made some key baskets and free throws at crucial times down the stretch to earn this win.”

Mackenzie Smith provided the offensive sparked from the bench with 14 points and five rebounds to lead the Lady Hornets. Jordan Shelby contributed eight points and the leader on the boards with six rebounds. Faith Bergeron and Marcey Givens chipped in with five points each.

Alissa Barlow directed the Lady Jackets offensive attack with eight points and three assists. Carlee Nations, Michelle Herrington and Hannah Kirtfield chipped in with six points apiece, Adrienne Byrd and Herrington were the leader on the boards with four rebounds apiece.

” The last few games has been very close,” said Enterprise coach Jill Nations. “This game could have went either way. Overall, I was very pleased with my girls effort and hopefully we learn from this to prepare for our game with West Lincoln.”

Loyd Star 77, Enterprise 55 

In the boys contest, the Hornets and the Jackets (11-13, 2-6) fought in a close first quarter of action as Loyd Star captured a 17-10 advantage.

In the second quarter, the battle continued as the Hornets (16-4, 6-1) managed to defend off the Jackets with a 18-16 push to take a 35-26 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Loyd Star’s offense turned up the heat on the Jacket and outscored Enterprise 42-29 in the final quarter of action.

“We did not play very well tonight,” said Britt. “We missed too many easy shots and layups. Enterprise has a good team and they have improve a lot. Overall, I am glad to get the win.”

Loyd Star had five players to score in double figures as senior Edrick Alsworth led the pace with a double-double performance of 25 points and 10 rebounds. Javion Beard chipped in with 16 points. Caleb Yarborough and Levi Redd contributed 12 points apiece. Ryan Smith provided 10 points. Redd also helped on the boards with eight rebounds. Yarborough had eight assists.

Zach Hodges was the offensive leader for the Jackets with 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Jontavious Smith netted 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Dwayne Pendleton scored nine points and had six rebounds.

“The guys played hard and competed throughout the whole game,” said Enterprise coach John Knight. “Loyd Star has a very good team. Overall, I was please with our effort, we just need to keep working hard to get better.”

In junior varsity action,  The Lady Hornets knocked off the Lady Jackets 32-21.

Mandy Russell and Kaylea Smith led Loyd Star with seven points each. Eden Ward and Monisha Pendleton directed the Lady Jackets with six points apiece.

In the boys’ contest, Loyd Star surpassed Enterprise 47-42. Zach Arnold powered the Hornets with 22 points. Greg Hooks provided 10 points.

J.D. Allen paced the Jackets with 16 points. Noah McKone chipped in with 11 points.