Jan Delaughter is returning to the helm of Loyd Star girlsbasketball fortunes. Loyd Star principal Wayne Rogers made theannouncement and released an official statement Tuesdayafternoon

“Practice has already begun this summer and there is a greatdeal of excitement and enthusiasm with our program,” said Rogers.”Loyd Star has a long tradition of basketball and we are anxious tobegin another year of competition.”

Delaughter, 44, is a 1979 graduate of Loyd Star. She replacesher former assistant, Lori Britt, who had been head coach at LoydStar 15 years before stepping down. Britt will continue teachinghistory at the school.

“I’m excited to be coaching basketball at Loyd Star,” saidDelaughter. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Delaughter directed the Lady Hornets to the 1991 Class 2A StateTournament championship. They were powered by all-state centerHeather Ratcliff Watts, Delaughter’s current assistant coach.

In four years at the helm, Delaughter compiled a 111-30worksheet, including records of 35-6 and 32-6 her final 2seasons.

“I’ll know a lot more about my team after team camp,” saidDelaughter. She plans to stress discipline, fundamentals andconditioning during preseason practice. Loyd Star will participatein Co-Lin’s team camp which starts Sunday.

Delaughter has been coaching fastpitch softball for five years.She also coached slowpitch for three years.

“Heather will be an asset to our program,” said Delaughter. “Sheplayed for me and she’s familiar with my system.”

A standout, southpaw guard at Loyd Star, Delaughter signed ascholarship and played basketball for Gwyn Young at Co-Lin for twoyears. After working two years in private business, she enrolled atSouthern Miss where she obtained a degree in math.

Delaughter began teaching at Loyd Star in 1986. She has beenteaching for 15 years.

Married to Randy Delaughter, they have two children: Matthew, asophomore at Co-Lin; and Brooke, a freshman at Loyd Star.

Britt’s final edition had only one senior in Co-Lin signeeHailey Ratcliff. The Lady Hornets (15-17) were third in theDivision 6-2A Tournament and lost to Lumberton in the first roundof the South Mississippi playoffs.

Delaughter will draw double duty, continuing her position asfastpitch head coach. Basketball and fastpitch seasons overlapbecause softball practice begins in January.

She said Janet Taylor would continue assisting with thefastpitch team. “She does a great job,” said Delaughter. “She workshard.”

The Lady Hornets (15-11) won the fastpitch division title inApril and hosted a first-round state playoff series.