An eighth grader, Layla “Lights Out” Burt lined up and mowed them down in 2023 for Loyd Star. The second year starting pitcher struck out 210 batters in 182 innings of work to help push the Hornets to the MHSAA 2A state title series.

For her efforts, Burt has been named The Daily Leader All-Area Most Valuable Player.

A righthander, she sported a 1.61 ERA and issued just 31 walks during the season. An All-Area selection last season as a seventh grader, she was a rock in the circle for coaches Denise and Scott Leggett.

She threw six no-hitters, 12 shutouts and struck out a season high 16 in a win over Enterprise.

Burt also had some big hits at the plate this season, batting for a .340 average, driving in 27 runs and hitting five doubles.

There is so much young talent up and down the rosters of the best local softball programs. That group is led by Burt who, to the thrill of Loyd Star fans, still has four more seasons left in the circle for the Hornets.