The Loyd Star Hornets and Lady Hornets are predicted to have a successful year as they prepare to start the 2014-2015 basketball season.

The Hornets and Lady Hornets will start their season Tuesday as they prepare to travel across Lincoln County to battle Bogue Chitto for four games. Junior high action begins at 4 and 5 p.m., followed by the varsity games.

Loyd Star was originally scheduled to kickoff their season last Tuesday against North Forrest but moved the game to December for Peyton Flowers’ funeral.

Lady Hornets bring experience 

Head Coach Gene “Moochie” Britt is entering his second year at the helm of the girls’ program and is expecting great things for the Lady Hornets as he has all of his players back to start the season.

“We have plenty of experience returning,” said Britt. “Our goal is to continue growing stronger as a team by getting better each day in practice and in each game.”

The Lady Hornets finished 16-12 overall last year. They were eliminated in the opening round of the State 2A playoffs.

The Lady Hornets will have four returning starters: Hannah Dickerson, Jordan Shelby, Marcey Givens and Megan Givens to provide leadership.

After three seasons, the Lady Hornets will have seniors on the squad as Victoria Cupit, Megan Givens, Ruby McCullough, Marcey Givens and Sophie Berg will be looked upon for guidance.

Hornets expect a great year 

Loyd Star boys head coach Gene (Moochie) Britt is a expecting a much improved year after finishing last year with a 17-10 record.

Coach Britt will have four starters back with experience: Edrick Alsworth, Caleb Yarborough, Brad Jasper and Levi Redd to help direct the team to a successful season.

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

Javion Beard, Ryan Smith, Dorian Beard and Greg Hooks are expected to be Loyd Star’s big impact players to help out the Hornets’ top shooters and rebounders Alsworth, Jasper and Redd.

Dorian Beard, Alsworth, Yarborough and Smith are the Hornets’ seniors this season as they will be looked upon to provide leadership.

Lost to graduation were starters La’Treall Smith and Ethan Newman.

Loyd Star Girls Roster 

Seniors:  Megan Givens, Ruby McCullough, Marcey Givens, Victoria Cupit, Sophie Berg.

Juniors:  Mandy Russell, Toni Banks, Carlie Case, Jordan Shelby, Hanna Dickerson, Caitlyn Beard.

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

Freshmen: Marley Poole, Katie West, Beronica Furnace, Julica Smith

Loyd Star Boys Roster

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

Juniors: Gene Evans, Javion Beard, Brad Jasper, Avery Leggett, Levi Redd, Gregory Hooks.

Sophomores:  Zach Arnold, Britt Hughey, Blake Ramsey, Cameron Carwyle.

Freshmen:  Cade Hodges, Patrick Price, Ray Richardson.

Loyd Star 2014-2015 Schedule

November:  18-at Bogue Chitto, 20-St. Andrews, 24-St. Joe, 25-Natchez Cathedral.

December:  2-at St. Aloysius, 5-Bogue Chitto, 6-North Forrest, 9-St. Aloysius, 11-13-Lincoln County Tournament at Bogue Chitto, 16-at Wesson, 19-at St. Joe.

January:  6-Wesson, 9-West Lincoln, 13-at Bassfield, 16-Enterprise, 20-at East Marion, 23-Amite County, 27-at West Lincoln, 30-Bassfield.

February:  3-at Enterprise, 6-East Marion, 10-at Amite County, 12-at Natchez Cathedral, 16-20-Division 7-2A Tournament at Amite County. 23-South State 1st Round Girls. 24-South State 1st Round Boys. 27-28-South State Tournament.

March:  4-14-State Championship in Jackson