Donald Sims, who averaged nearly 14 points per game last year, and his teammates will be shooting for their third straight Class 4A state championship this season.

Ledger Sports Editor

Although all-state forwards AZ Reid and Sidney Rice have graduated, the 2-time defending state champion Gaffney boys’ basketball team won’t lower its expectations.

“Our goal is to become the three-time state champion,” said Gaffney coach Mark Huff, whose Indians open the season Tuesday against the visiting Spartanburg Vikings. “Our goal every year is to win the state championship.”

But this time, they’ll have to do it without Rice and Reid, who combined to average about 40 points a game in leading the Indians to an outstanding 54-2 mark over the last two seasons.

“We lose our two top scorers and those will be big shoes to fill,” Huff said. “They were very athletic and very good basketball players. We’ll just have to wait and see who will take that big shot for us.”

The Indians have plenty of candidates. Last year’s starting backcourt of Nick Melton and Donald Sims returns.

Sims, who averaged nearly 14 points a game last year, is probably the team’s best outside shooter while Melton, who averaged three assists a season ago, has the ability to bury the outside shot as well as drive to the hoop.

“Donald has to be a leader for us,” Huff said. “He’s been staying after practice to work on his shot.”

When Melton moves to the wing, Ques Tate, a lightning-quick guard, will run the team.

“Ques makes very good decisions with the ball,” the Gaffney coach said.

Daniel Mitchell, a junior varsity standout a year ago, and Cameron Tate, will also see time at the point.

Blake Foster, Melton and Tate will share time at wing guard with Sims.

Melton, Malcolm Long and Phillip Hambright will see action at the other wing position. Huff said he needs some rebounding from this position.

The Indians are solid inside with the return of 6-7 center Phillip Buckson, who averaged eight points and six rebounds a year ago, and Julius Wilkerson, an aggressive 6-3 frontcourt player.

Huff said he’s hoping Buckson will have a breakout season.

“He has to step up and be a force inside for us both on offense and defense,” he said. “Defensively, he’s doing a good job, but he has to be more aggressive on offense.”

Buckson averaged 2.5 blocks a game last season.

A pair of talented sophomores, 6-3 Rodney Love and 6-2 Kobe Hollis, will add frontcourt depth.

“Rodney has the potential to be a very good basketball player,” Huff said.

The Indians move this year to Region III-4A, where Lancaster has been the basketball power in year’s past.

“Lancaster was No. 1 in the state last year, so that’ll be a challenge,” Huff said.

But it’s an old rival - the Spartanburg Vikings - the Indians will face Tuesday in a rematch of the Upper State championship.

“This is probably the toughest opener we’ve had,” Huff said.

The Vikings return three starters, including shooting guard Satrell Fuller and big man Harrison Moxley.

“With three starters back and Doug Lowe coaching, you know you have to be ready,” Huff said. “I’m just excited about getting the season started.”

Indians at a Glance

Last season’s record: 26-2 overall

Key Losses - Sidney Rice and AZ Reid

Key Returners - Phillip Buckson, Nick Melton, Donald Sims and Julius Wilkerson

What to expect - the Indians will once again challenge for a state championship if Donald Sims becomes a go-to scorer and Phillip Buckson establishes himself as one of the top big men in the state.