ROSCOE, NY — Never mess with a bunch of stinging bugs.

The home team Lady Devils of Roscoe/Livingston Manor (4-4) decided to take a swipe at the Lady Yellow Jackets of Eldred (3-6), and got stung by 20 points (50-30) at the close of the girls’ varsity basketball game.

The league matchup was held at the “Coach” Fred Ahart Gymnasium on January 11.

In the wake of the victory, Eldred put the lid on a five-game losing streak, and in celebration of the win, an enthusiastic Jissela LaBuda nailed a  three-pointer from outside the arc to close out the game’s scoring.

The Lady Devils jumped out to an early lead in the opening frame, but the visitors surged back to take a 23-19 advantage into the locker room at the half.

Eldred outpaced the home team bucketeers in all four periods: 11-10, 12-9, 12-4 and 15-7.

Jordan Lepes is a senior co-captain of the Lady Yellow Jackets.

“As a team, everyone wanted it so much tonight. We all came together and put in a 100% effort,” said the 17-year-old shooting/point guard and forward.

Stepping up to the plate for a brief post-game interview, the Lady Devils 15-year-old sophomore point guard Lindsey Rau, said in essence that things started to unravel for the home team in the third frame, as Eldred went on a 12-4 run.

“We lost in the third period, but we came back a little,” she said a bit ruefully.

Becky Ahart, coach of the Lady Devils, has been around the game of hoops for a few seasons.

“It was a tough game. I think Eldred did what they needed to do. I give them a lot of credit, they put it together.”

Her take on the season?

“We’re going to do the best we can, and try to improve,” replied Ahart.

Ryan Jasper is in his fourth year as coach of the Lady Yellow Jackets.

“Tonight we had a nice win… the kids have been working hard and every one of them gave their best effort tonight,” he said.

Eldred’s top scorers: Jordan Lepes (18 points including a pair of threes), Alaina Gaughan (8 points and a three), while Kass Weatherly, Hannah Jennings and Jissela LaBuda each contributed a three.

Roscoe/Livingston Manor: Lindsey Rau and Madison Ackerly each posted 9 points including a three from the outside, and Sierra Taurino and Kylea May racked up threes. Camille Hondromaras had 9 rebounds.

Stats from the free-throw line: ECS 10/19 (53%); R/LM 4/16 (25%).

Speaking of Fred and Becky Ahart, they have really paid their dues at Roscoe.

The husband-and-wife team are both honored as Hall of Famers by the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame: Fred in 2009, and Becky in 2015. Fred is now in his 48th year as athletic director and coach, while Becky has been at the helm of the Lady Devils since 1986.

Now that’s a lot of years!