Rashad Earls is one of only two returning starters for the Blacksburg Wildcats this season. In a preseason coaches vote, the Blacksburg boys basketball team was picked to finish last in the region.

The Wildcats will get the chance to prove those coaches wrong against a challenging schedule that includes the Gaffney Indians, Union, Christ Church and Landrum.

"It will be good for us," Blacksburg coach Travis Miller said. "We are excited about the schedule. We think it will make us better."

The most intriguing regular season matchup is against Gaffney. The schools recently met in a Christmas tournament but it's been more than 20 years since the rivals have played as part of a home-and-home, regularseason series.

"This is the first time in a long time," Miller said.

Miller said he agreed to the matchup after the Indians' games with South Pointe were scratched.

Miller said one word describes the Wildcats this season - inexperienced.

The Wildcats must replace 85 percent of their scoring with the graduation of Josh Butler, Dustin Deese and leading scorer Antonio Bolin, who averaged 19 points a game last year.

Rashad Earls and Josh Elmore are the only returning starters. Two players who saw reserve action a year ago, Dean Craig and Myron Mitchell, will take more prominent roles this season.

A pair of freshmen and sophomores will also see significant playing time.

"We have a really young team," Miller said. "I'm nervous and excited. You just don't know what to expect with such a young crowd like this.

"We play some very tough teams, so it will be interesting to see. We are building with some good kids and are looking forward to the season."

The Wildcats scrimmaged Southside Christian last night and will scrimmage Greenville Tech on Tuesday, Nov. 13 and Boiling Springs on Thursday, Nov. 15.

The Wildcats will play Byrnes in the Byrnes Jamboree on Nov. 20 before tipping off the regular season on Nov. 27 against Christ Church.