The Loyd Star Hornets are defending Class 2A State GolfTournament champions. They aim for a repeat this week, hosting thestate tourney at the Wolf Hollow Golf Club on the Copiah-LincolnCommunity College.

After a practice round Monday, the tournament starts Tuesdaymorning. The 36-hole format will feature 18 holes on Tuesday and 18on Wednesday. Chuck Holloway is Wolf Hollow’s PGA professional andCo-Lin golf team coach.

“We are playing on our home course and we like having thatadvantage,” said Loyd Star coach Ricky Myers. “Our players feelcomfortable playing there.”

Members of the Loyd Star squad are Jody Britt, Blake Windham,Dylan Britt, Josh Wright, Chris Hester and Andrew Bodin. Windham, asophomore, has the lowest stroke average this season

Jody Britt, a standout senior baseball player, had beensplitting time between the two sports as Loyd Star competed in thestate baseball playoffs.

Two years ago, Loyd Star finished third in the state tournament.Last year, Wright directed the Hornet victory with 75-83–158.

Trent Maddox (85-75–160) was the only player to graduate fromlast year’s state championship squad. Windham shot 80-81–161, JodyBritt 81-82–163 and Chris Hester 96-83–179. Maddox, Windham andWright represented Loyd Star on the All-State Tournament team.

Baldwyn was runner-up last year with a 660, finishing 18 strokesbehind the Hornets. Gulfport St. John’s was third at 677 andMadison St. Joseph fourth at 685.

Joining Loyd Star in the event are Ackerman, Baldwyn, Belmont,Bruce, Clarkdale, St. John’s and Madison St. Joseph. There are fourdivisions and two teams in each division.