Eight returning starters at Loyd Star will tackle a beefed upbaseball schedule in 2010 as the Hornets seek a return to the Class2A state playoffs. They reached the third round last year beforebeing eliminated and posted a 20-10 worksheet.

Among the returnees are two 2009 DAILY LEADER All-Lincoln CountyTeam selections: infielder Korey Allen and catcher Travis Keene.Graduated starters are pitcher Drew Weaver (10-3), a Copiah-LincolnCommunity College signee, and outfielder J.J. Jones.

Also returning to Loyd Star’s lineup are pitcher/infielder catcherT.J. Floyd, centerfielder Leebo Bairfield, first baseman CodySmith, second baseman Tyler B. Case, third baseman Austin Travisand rightfielder Marquis Hayes. Floyd has signed with Co-Lin.

Keene batted .345 last season and hit five homers. Allen had a .293average. He also hit five homers and drove in 27 runs.

“Our pitching depth should be our strength,” said the 30-year-oldBreakfield who is entering his sixth year as head coach at LoydStar. “We have a lot of good arms coming back.”

Case, Floyd, Allen, Smith, Travis, Bairfield, and freshmen BrandenCanny, Braden Smith and Cari Crowe are expected to see mound duty.Sophomore Corey Funk isn’t expected to pitch this season due to anelbow injury.

Asked about his team’s strong schedule, Breakfield said, “I want toplay good teams to get us ready for district play.”

Some of the larger schools on Loyd Star’s schedule are Laurel, WestLauderdale, Brookhaven, McComb, Lawrence County, Columbia, NorthPike and Franklin County.

Asked about the Region 6-2A race, Breakfield said archrival Wessonis the team to beat. Other region foes are Puckett, Enterprise andMadison St. Joseph. Perennial power St. Andrew’s was promoted toClass 3A last spring.