The Loyd Star Hornets are in the hunt for the third or fourth seed in the difficult Region 7-2A boys’ basketball race.

     In the girls’ race, the Lady Hornets are young and inexperienced but have the potential to create havoc.

     Teams involved in the Class 7-2A race are Wesson, Enterprise, Amite County, East Marion and Bassfield.

     East Marion will host this year’s region tournament in Columbia, beginning Feb. 12.

     Loyd Star returns after a long holiday slumber on Friday to host the Enterprise Yellow Jackets for four games. The junior varsity girls and boys play at 4 and 5 p.m., followed by the varsity girls at 6 and the boys at 7:30.

     The Lady Hornets (2-12, 0-1), coached by Billy Vaughn, are a young team with freshmen and sophomores.

     Coach Vaughn said his team’s strengths and main goal is “the ability to play with anyone in our region. The girls are doing a great job competing and they are capable of beating anyone, if they continue to play aggressive on offense and defense.”

     What is the Loyd Star weakness?

     Coach Vaughn stated that his girls’ lack of experience comes into play. “We are a very young team. We are making too many youthful mistakes in games. Overall, I am pleased with the girls’ effort and willingness to learn from their mistakes and continue to improve.

     Coach Vaughn shared his opinion on the favorites in the girls’ race. “Bassfield should be No. 1 and Amite County should claim No. 2. Wesson and Enterprise look promising to take the third and fourth seeds.

     “We have a great shot to be in the mix as well if we play like we are capable.”

     The Hornets (7-6, 0-1) coached by Gene “Moochie” Britt, will be relying on their outside shooting to compete in the second half.

     Coach Britt said that the Hornets’ strengths going into the second half of the season will be their outside shooting and handling the ball. “The guys are shooting the ball really well on the outside perimeters. Our other strength would be controlling the tempo of the game with our ball handlers.”

     Loyd Star’s weakness that Coach Britt said he will address. “We need to be able to handle the pressure better against opposing teams and make our foul shots.”

     Coach Britt’s picks for Region 7-2A. Bassfield should be No.1 and Wesson  No.2. “We have a shot at the third and fourth spots along with Amite County or East Marion.”