JACKSON – Loyd Star’s Fred Clark nailed a trey at the end of thegame but it wasn’t enough as the Baldwyn Bearcats held on for a57-55 Friday night win and eliminated the Hornets from the openinground of the Class 2A State Tournament in the MississippiColiseum.

Bearcat Dee Gate sealed the win with a pair of free throws withnine seconds remaining in the game and Baldwyn leading 57-52 beforeClark hit the trey.

This was Loyd Star’s first appearance in the Coliseum in 42 years.The Hornets finished the season with a 24-6 record.

“I’m proud of my guys and the effort they gave,” said Loyd Starboys coach Gene (Moochie) Britt. “In the first half, we played wellbut missed too many easy shots. In the second half, we got in foultrouble.

“But our subs did a good job keeping us in the game,” continuedBritt. “We had a shot at the end but could not get the breaks atthe end. Baldwyn has a very good and aggressive team.

“Overall, I am very proud of the team. They showed that they canplay with best.”

Baldwyn will play the winner of the Hinds AHS-West Bolivar game inThursday night’s 8:30 title game.

The first quarter was close, with Loyd Star leading 8-7, overBaldwyn. A 14-11 run by the Hornets gave them a 22-18 lead over theBearcats at halftime.

Baldwyn turned it around in the third quarter, outscoring Loyd Star24-18 to take a 2-point, 42-40, lead into the final frame.

Powering the Hornets with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 2assists was DeAndre Butler who fouled out. Glenn Thomas and JuliousWhittaker fired in 14 points apiece. Tops off the backboards with11 rebounds was Joseph Shelby. Thomas collected 8 rebounds.

“Our kids played tight at the start, but our kids started to loosenup in the second half and at the end of the third quarter,” saidBaldwyn Coach Jason McKay. “Loyd Star is well coached and a highquality team. They were very impressive and athletic. We had ourhands full from start to finish.”

The Bearcats (30-4) got 19 points and 9 rebounds from MarcellLucas. Devin Lindsey pumped in 12 points, grabbed 7 rebounds andhad 4 assists. Following with 11 points and 4 rebounds was JanBurress. Collecting 8 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 assists was ReggiePatterson.