Loyd Star took on in-county rival Wesson Tuesday evening as the Lady Hornets defeated the Lady Cobras 58-24 and the Hornets won a thriller against Wesson 69-68.

Loyd Star 69, Wesson 68

In a fast-paced exciting game, Loyd Star was able to pull out the victory as time was expiring. The boys opened at a fast pace as both teams traded points throughout the first quarter. Loyd Star was able to take a four-point lead into the quarter 25-21. The second period continued the fast-paced tempo as the game went to halftime tied at 34.

Despite starting the third period off slowly, Loyd Star was able to grow their lead over Wesson. Behind their defense Wesson began closing in on Loyd Star as the period was closing, trailing 52-50. As the game was winding down, Wesson found themselves up 67-66, but were unable to hold the lead as Loyd Star took the lead with time expiring to win an exciting game 69-68.

“Guys played great. The defense was able to keep Wesson out of their offense. Hustle was real good,” Loyd Star head coach Gene Britt said. “Dane (Smith) made key free throws at the end. Team effort was super. I’m proud of the teams effort. Now we got to get ready for district play.”

Senior guard Zach Arnold led the Hornets with 23 points, three rebounds, five steals and five assists. Sophomore forward Dane Smith had 21 points and eight rebounds on the night. Junior forward Patrick Price shot 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. Junior forward Titus Sims and junior guard Cade Hodges each had five points.

Sophomore guard Shemar Dickerson led Wesson on the game with 18 points. Sophomore forward Jontavious Smith scored 17 points for the Cobras. Freshman guard Darrian Gibson had 12 points to help Wesson with scoring.

“It was an intense game from start to finish. We made careless mistakes, which Loyd Star was able to capitalize on,” Wesson head coach Rusty Newman said. “Couldn’t make big shots and plays when needed. Proud of my guys’ efforts.”

Lady Hornets 58, Lady Cobras 24

The Lady Hornets started off hot, going on an eight-point run to start the game. Halfway through the first period, the Lady Cobras were able to find the bottom of the net and get on the board. The Lady Hornets increased their lead, going on a 13-point run, taking a 20-7 lead into the second quarter.

The Lady Hornets’ defense kept Wesson at bay, allowing only four points in the quarter as their offense built on their lead, adding 12 more points to take a 32-11 lead into halftime.

In the third period, the Wesson defense showed flashes, as they were able to cause turnovers in an attempt to cut into the Lady Hornet lead. Loyd Star, however, was able to outlast the Lady Cobra defense as they led 48-20 going into the fourth quarter.

The Lady Hornet defense once again slowed down Wesson, allowing just four points in the final quarter as their offense went on a scoring frenzy to take the game 58-24.

“Girls played really well. We were able to keep Wesson off-balanced,” Britt said. “Executed our offense really well. It was great teamwork and everyone got a chance to play.”

Senior forward Makenzie Smith led the Lady Hornets with 22 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Senior center Kaylea Smith scored 11 points and reeled in eight rebounds as well. Senior guard Lydia Britt scored seven points and had three rebounds and five steals.

Freshman guard Shelby Maxwell led the Lady Cobras with five points on the night. Sophomore guard Alashyia Mims, senior guard Alashya Vaughn and senior guard Madison Jones each had four points.

Wesson will be in action Friday evening as they head to Jefferson County for district play. Loyd Star will be in action tonight as they head to West Lincoln.