Six returning starters will tackle a beefed-up schedule this season as Loyd Star looks to make a return trip to the Class 2A baseball playoffs.

The Hornets reached the Class South State Championship last year before being eliminated by the Taylorsville Tartars. They posted a 21-8 record on the season.

The returning starters are right fielder Lamar Lang, pitcher/third baseman Levi Redd, pitcher/third baseman Konner Allen, first baseman Bradyn Brister, catcher Cole Smith and pitcher/shortstop Cade Hodges.

Redd batted .361 last season and had 27 RBIs. Lang is the second-leading hitter returning from last season with a .316 average and 21 RBIs. Brister posted a .310 batting average and 21 RBIs. Allen provided a .306 average at the plate, while Smith had a .265 and Hodges had a .250 average.

Several athletes can play multiple positions on the field, but Loyd Star will be inexperienced at some key positions.

“We are excited to begin our baseball season,” said Loyd Star coach Jared Britt. “We have a good group of guys returning and they will be looked upon to provide leadership for our younger players. We are looking forward to have another great season at Loyd Star.”

Loyd Star will have four seniors on the squad for 2016 season – Redd, Lang, Lane Rogers and T.K. Patterson.

The Hornets lost four senior starters to graduation last season – second baseman/center fielder Hayden Brownlee, left fielder Brett Calcote, outfielder Dorian Beard and pitcher/center fielder Caleb Yarborough. Yarborough signed a baseball scholarship to play for the Meridian Community College Eagles.

Some of the larger schools on Loyd Star’s schedule are McComb, Columbia, Franklin County, Sumrall, Clinton, Terry, St. Andrews and South Pike.

In the Region 7-2A race, Loyd Star is the team to beat as Enterprise, West Lincoln, Bassfield, Amite County and Prentiss look to knock the Hornets off to claim the division crown in 2016.

Loyd Star baseball roster 

SENIORS: Levi Redd, Lamar Lang, Lane Rogers, T.K Patterson

JUNIORS: Parker Flowers, Cole Smith, Konner Allen, Bradyn Brister

SOPHOMORES: Logan Murray, Dylan Smith, Cullen Keene, Cade Hodges, Dawson Zumbro, Brandon Lang, Patrick Price, Tucker Watts, Lakin Wallace

FRESHMEN: James Beard, Brent Cade, Dylan Case, Dane Smith, Rials Hester, Logan Smith

COACHES: Jared Britt, head coach; Seth Britt, assistant coach

Loyd Star baseball schedule

FEBRUARY:

20-Loyd Star Jamboree

26-27-Loyd Star Classic.

MARCH:

3-Lincoln County Invitational at Loyd Star

4-Lincoln County Invitational at Loyd Star

5-Lincoln County Invitational at Loyd Star

8-at Bassfield

11-Bassfield

12-at McComb

19-at Wesson

21-Terry

22-Prentiss

24-at Prentiss

25-at Bogue Chitto

29-at Enterprise

APRIL: 

1-Enterprise

2-St. Andrews

2-Sumrall at Brookhaven

4-at Clinton

5-Amite County

8-at Amite County

9-Wesson

9-Bogue Chitto

12-at West Lincoln

15-West Lincoln

16-at Natchez Cathedral

18-at Franklin County

22-25-first round of playoffs