BASSFIELD – The Loyd Star Lady Hornets clinched third place in Region 7-1A tournament action after defeating the Bassfield Lady Yellowjackets 44-31 Friday night in the girls’ consolation game at Bassfield’s gymnasium.

In the boys’ contest, the Hornets finished fourth with a disappointing 56-50 loss to the Amite County Trojans in the boys’ consolation game.

Loyd Star will return to action this week as the Lady Hornets (15-11) travel to Heidelberg to take on the Heidelberg Lady Oilers Monday starting at 7 p.m.

The Hornets (17-9) will visit Bay Springs to battle the Region 8-2A champion Bay Springs Bulldogs Tuesday starting at 7 p.m.

Loyd Star 44, Bassfield 31 

The Lady Hornets quickly set the tone of the game in the first quarter as they blasted the host Bassfield Lady Jackets to take a 12-4 lead and held off Bassfield’s attack in the second quarter to carry a 18-13 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Loyd Star continued to overpower Bassfield with their strong and patient game plan on offense and defense to outscore the Lady Jacket 26-18 to secure the win.

Sophomore center Hannah Dickerson powered the Lady Hornets with a game high 15 points. Jordan Shelby, Julie Smith and Megan Givens contributed eight points apiece.

“We shot the ball really well in the paint and from outside the arc,” said Loyd Star coach Gene “Moochie” Britt. “I was very pleased with the girls’ effort. They played hard from start to finish.”

Nicole Maye was the top-scoring leader for the Lady Yellowjackets with nine points.

Amite County 56, Loyd Star 50 

Loyd Star and Amite County came out and provided an exciting game for their basketball fans as both teams fought to a 13-all tie after one quarter of action.

In the second quarter, the Trojans managed to gain the upper hand on Loyd Star with a late surge to carry a 30-26 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the third quarter was the difference maker for the Trojans as Amite County outscored Loyd Star 12-7 to increase their lead to 42-33 before heading into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, the Hornets charge back overpowered the Trojans with a 17-14 run, but they failed to overcome Amite County’s lead to gain the win.

Junior guard Caleb Yarborough was the offensive leader for the Hornets with 13 points and six rebounds. Edrick Alsworth chipped in 11 points and had nine rebounds. Levi Redd also controlled the boards with nine rebounds and scored nine points. Brad Jasper had nine points.

“We did not come ready to play,” said Britt. “We played flat throughout the game. We had too many careless mistakes and missed several easy shots against a very good Amite County team.”

JaVontae Anderson paced the Trojan’s offense with a game-high 17 points. Terry Cameron provided 13 points and Kevan Williams added 11 points.