Coach Jared Britt and his Loyd Star baseball team experienced a great year in 2015. The Hornets kicked off the season knowing that they had the tools to have a great season and to make a deep run into the playoffs.

Britt and his team battled through a really tough regular season schedule and a tough Region 7-2A race to win the division crown undefeated at 10-0.

After scratching and clawing through some tough competition during the regular season, the Hornets were ready to make some noise in the playoffs. Loyd Star eliminated the Lake Hornets, the Pisgah Dragons and the Richton Rebels in the first three rounds of the playoffs to advance to the MHSAA Class 2A South State Championship.

Loyd Star ended up falling to the Taylorsville Tartars in two straight games in the best-of-three series. The Hornets finished their season with a 21-8 record overall.

For this accomplishment, Britt was named The DAILY LEADER’s All-County Coach of the Year for 2015.

“It is a big honor to be selected as the Coach of the Year,” said Britt. “There are many great coaches in our area who deserve it also. I am humbled to be chosen, but I have to give the credit to my players and my assistant coaches, Seth Britt and Cody Smith, who puts in a lot of long hours and hard work throughout the year.”

Britt shared his thoughts on his team’s great season: “I think we surprised a lot of people making it to the south state championship,” said Britt. “The guys believed in us all year though. We preached to them early that we do have the parts to make a deep run, and they bought into that mindset.

“As coaches, we enjoy every day spending time with this group of guys,” continued Britt. “These seniors will be truly missed.”

Britt had five seniors on his squad that played a huge part in Loyd Star’s march in the playoffs: pitcher/outfielder Caleb Yarborough, outfielder Brett Calcote, infielder Jordan Michel, outfielder Dorian Beard and pitcher/infielder Hayden Brownlee.

Also in the starting lineup were infielder/pitcher Cade Hodges, infielder/pitcher Levi Redd, infielder Bradyn Brister, outfielder/designated hitter Lamar Lang, infielder/pitcher Konner Allen and catcher/outfielder Cole Smith.

Other members on the Hornets team were Logan Murray, Cullen Keene, Brandon Lang, T.K. Patterson, Blake Ramsey, Tucker Watts, Dylan Smith and Lane Rogers.

Britt, 29, teaches environmental science/geology, introduction to biology and physical education/health.

Britt gives thanks to the community support at Loyd Star.

“We coach in a community that expects success,” stated Britt. “I believe that is what makes our athletic programs successful. We have a great community support and parents who are more than willing to help all the programs in any way they can.

“I have a great principal and athletic director in Mrs. Robin Case and Mr. Billy Vaughn who lets us run our programs,” added Britt. “I would like to thank all the parents, fans and administration for all the support they give us.”

Britt just recently got married in Dec. 20, to Heather Lawson of Coushatta, Louisiana. His assistant coaches are Seth Britt, his brother, and Cody Smith. Jared’s hobbies are deer and rabbit hunting, cattle farming, spending time with his family and riding four-wheelers.