The Loyd Star Hornets and Lady Hornets expect to have a productive year as they prepare for the 2013-14-basketball season.

The Lady Hornets debut Thursday, in the Pelahatchie Classic. The girls’ tipoff time is to be announced.

Loyd Star resumes for boys and girls action Tuesday, Nov. 12, for four games at Bogue Chitto. Junior high action begins at 4 and 5 p.m., followed by the varsity games.

Lady Hornets new leadership

Head coach Gene (Moochie) Britt has taken over the girls’ program, replacing Billy Vaughn, who decided to step down from his coaching duties. Britt has inherited a young team with no seniors. His squad will consist of six sophomores and eight freshmen.

“We will have a very young ball club, but with a little experience,” said Britt. “Our goal is to get better each day in practice and in each game.”

The Lady Hornets finished 3-21 and 1-9 in district action last year. They were eliminated from the postseason in the opening round of the district playoffs.

The Lady Hornets will have three returning starters – Julie Smith, Megan Givens and Marcey Givens – to provide leadership.

Hornets

Loyd Star boys head coach Gene (Moochie) Britt hopes to be much improved from last year. The Hornets finished 13-11 on the season and had a 4-6-division record.

Coach Britt will have two starters back – Caleb Yarborough and Edrick Alsworth – to help direct the team.

Lost to graduation were starters Terrion Williams, Donovan Johnson and Tobias Dillion.

The Hornets will rely on their strong defense and quickness to make a run in district.

Loyd Star Girls Roster

Juniors: Megan Givens, Ruby McCullough, Marcie Givens, Victoria Cupit, Caitlin Cade, Raigan Smith.

Sophomores: Julie Smith, Carlie Case, Mandy Russell, Jordan Shelby, Hanna Dickerson, Alexis Norton, Toni-Allison Banks, Caitlyn Beard.

Freshmen: Lydia Britt, Caylee Grace Yarborough, Kaylan Smith, Lauren Smith, Kaylea Smith, Kaylie Foster, Audrey “Faith” Bergeron

Loyd Star Boys Roster

Seniors: Nathaniel Shankle-Bland, Heath Haas, Ethan Newman, La’Treall Smith.

Juniors: Edrick Alsworth, Caleb Yarborough, Dorian Beard, Ryan Smith.

Sophomores: Gene Evans, Javion Beard, Brad Jasper, Avery Leggett, Levi Redd, Lane Rogers, Gregory Hooks.

Freshmen: Bishop Killingworth, Cameron Carwyle, Britt Hughey, Zach Arnold, Jordan Bullock, Blake Ramsey, Will Watts.

Loyd Star Schedule

November: 7-at Pelahatchie, 12-at Bogue Chitto, 15-Salem, 19-Bogue Chitto, 21-at St. Andrews, 22-Cathedral.

December: 3-at St. Aloysius, 10-St. Aloysius, 12-14-Lincoln County Tournament at Enterprise, 17-Puckett, 20-at Cathedral.

January 2014: 7-at Puckett, 10-Amite County, 14-at West Lincoln, 17-Bassfield, 21-at Enterprise, 24-East Marion, 28-at Amite County, 31-West Lincoln.

February 2014: 4-at Bassfield, 7-Enterprise, 11-at East Marion. 17-21-Division 7-2A Tournament at Bassfield. 24 – South State 1st Round Girls. 25 – South State 1st Round Boys. 27-28 – South State Tournament.

March 2014: 1- South State Tournament, 7-15-State Championship-Ms Coliseum.