The Loyd Star Hornets and Lady Hornets will start the 2015-16 basketball season Thursday and both teams are counting on their veterans to have a successful year.

The Hornets and Lady Hornets will travel to Meadville to battle Franklin Countyin two games. The varsity girls will tip off the action at 6 p.m., followed by the boys at 7:30.

Loyd Star will play three games on the road before returning for their first home contest on Dec. 4 against the Bogue Chitto Bobcats.

Lady Hornets return experience

Head coach Gene “Moochie” Britt is entering his third season at the helm of the girls program. He is expecting another great season for Lady Hornets as he has two returning starters – Hannah Dickerson and Jordan Shelby – back from last season.

“We have plenty of experience returning from last year’s team,” said Britt. “Our goal is to continue to work harder and grow stronger as a team.”

The Lady Hornets finished 20-7 overall last year. They were eliminated in the second round of the State 2A playoffs by the Heidelberg Lady Oilers.

The Lady Hornets will have to rely on seniors Jordan Shelby, Caitlyn Beard, Hannah Dickson, Toni Banks and Mandy Russell to provide leadership.

Britt will have a new assistant coach helping him on the sideline in the girls games as Laura McKay has joined the Lady Hornets.

Hornets anxious about season

Britt is a expecting another great season for the Hornets after finishing last year with a 20-7 record.

Britt will have only two starters back – Javion Beard and Levi Redd – to help direct the team along with several other reserves that have some playing experience.

Seniors Gene Evans, Javion Beard, Nathan Lambert, Anfernee Claire, Avery Leggett, Levi Redd, Greg Hooks and T.K. Patterson are expected to have a big impact this season. Lost to graduation last season were starters Edrick Alsworth and Caleb Yarborough.

Loyd Star girls roster

Seniors: Mandy Russell, Toni Banks, Carlie Case, Jordan Shelby, Hannah Dickerson, Caitlyn Beard.

Juniors: Lydia Britt, Caylee Grace Yarborough, Mackenzie Smith, Kaylea Smith, Lauren Smith, Faith Bergeron, Kaylan Smith.

Sophomores:  Marley Poole, Katie West, Beonica Furnace.

Freshmen: Christie Patterson, Meagan Poole, Sarah Britt, Jordan Kramer, Abagail Smith

Loyd Star boys roster

Seniors:  Gene Evans, Javion Beard, Nathan Lambert, Avery Leggett, Anfernee Claire, Levi Redd, Gregory Hooks, T.K. Patterson.

Juniors:  Zach Arnold, Adicuz Harris, Jordon Bullock.

Sophomores:  Dawson Zumbro, Cade Hodges, Patrick Price, Berma Dean Hayden

Freshmen:  Brent Cade, Jett Calcote, Zabien Price, Gregory Dane Smith, Micah Calcote.

Loyd Star Schedule

November:

12-at Franklin Co.

17-at Bogue Chitto

20-at North Forrest

December:

4-Bogue Chitto

10-12- Lincoln County Tournament at West Lincoln

15-Wesson

January:

5-at Wesson,

8-West Lincoln

12-Bassfield

14-at Salem

15-at Enterprise

19-Prentiss

22-at Amite County

26-at West Lincoln

29-at Bassfield

February: 

1-Salem

2-Enterprise

5-at Prentiss

9-Amite County

15-19-Division 7-2A Tournament at West Lincoln

22-23-State Playoffs (First Round)

26-27-State Playoffs (Second Round)

March: 

2-12-State Championship in Jackson.