Donald Sims, who eclipsed the 1,000 point mark last week, and his Gaffney teammates will begin their quest for three straight state titles tonight against Westside. Tip-off is 7 p.m.

Ledger Sports Editor

Think the 2-time defending state champion Gaffney Indians might look past the fourth-seeded Westside Rams tonight?

No way, Gaffney High coach Mark Huff said.

“I told (the players) before practice (Monday) that the fact we’re No. 1 has no relevance. Everybody is 0-0 in the playoffs. That’s our philosophy,” said Huff, while taking a break from his preparations for Westside. “We are taking the same approach we take every year.”

That approach worked well the last two years with a roster stocked with talented players, including all-state forwards AZ Reid and Sidney Rice. In 2002, the Indians finished an unbeaten season by beating Dutch Fork in the finals. Last year, the Indians were 26-2 en route to their second straight Class 4A state title.

This year, the Indians have compiled a 22-1 mark and a No. 1 ranking with a team that has displayed a competitive spirit, shared the ball and played tough defensively.

Huff wants to see all those traits tonight against the Rams, who enter the game at 14-10 overall and 5-5 in Region I.

“They are more of a slow tempo team,” Huff said. “They want to control the tempo.”

To accomplish their tempo, the Rams use a 2-3 zone and a deliberate offense.

Huff said he’s concerned about the Rams’ outside shooters.

“They shoot the 3-pointer well,” he said. “We need to be patient and try to get the ball inside.”

The Rams resemble region foe Fort Mill, a team the Indians had little trouble with. But Huff cautions the playoffs are a start of a new season.

“We need to be ready to play because we are going to get everybody’s best shot,” he said.

The Indians are coming off one of the grittiest performances of the season in their 55-51 victory at Lancaster on Friday.

Sparked by Phillip Buckson, Julius Wilkerson and Malcolm Long, the Indians dominated the boards this time.

Huff said rebounding will be another key in tonight’s playoff game.

“We have to limit them to one and out. Controlling the boards will be very important,” he said.

Tonight’s winner will meet the survivor of Mauldin and South Aiken in the second round of the playoffs slated for Saturday.