Multi-talented athlete Jared Britt of Loyd Star is planning on abasketball future at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. He signed ascholarship with the Co-Lin Wolves Tuesday.

Britt (6-1, 175) was named Mr. Basketball and Player of the Yearon The DAILY LEADER’s 2004 All-Lincoln County Boys Basketball Team.He averaged 27.3 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists per game, leadingthe Hornets to a 24-6 record and the Class 2A state playoffs. He isthe son of Bruce and Tammie Britt.

“I’m excited and a little nervous,” Britt admitted. “I lookforward to playing for Co-Lin.”

A versatile athlete, Britt is a southpaw pitcher on Loyd Star’s3-time Division 6-2A championship squad. He also earned Player ofthe Year honors on the 2003 All-Lincoln County Baseball Team.

“I don’t remember when I’ve seen a young man play as hard asJared,” said Co-Lin men’s basketball coach Dennis Sims. “I’ve seenhim play several games and he has a lot of heart.”

Sims said Britt should be able to make an immediate contributionto the Co-Lin team. “I feel confident about Jared raising histalent level to be a strong junior college player. He will competeand work hard. He’s got a positive attitude.”

Sims has signed three players from Mendenhall: 6-6 centerTrmaine Enochs, 6-4 forward Arvel Keys and 6-2 forward FeltonWalker. He also signed 5-6 point guard Ivory Dishmon ofClinton.

Co-Lin loses two starters to graduation in all-star forwardJeremy Richardson and center Derrek Jarvis. Returning are DartezEdwards at point guard, plus guards Ladell Eackles, DexterMiddleton, Brandon Caston and forwards Luke Lofton and DerrickStewart.

Loyd Star boys basketball coach Gene “Moochie” Britt also playedfor Co-Lin in the early 1970s. He signed a scholarship withMississippi State University and later played for New Mexico Stateand West Alabama University.

“I think Jared will help the basketball program at Co-Lin,” saidBritt. “He’ll do well and be a good influence on the team.”

Jared Britt maintained a 3.7 GPA at Loyd Star and is taking dualenrollment courses at Co-Lin. “Jared’s not just good in basketball,he’s a good student in the classroom, too,” Coach Britt pointedout.