Hitting the hardwood

File Fhoto Josh Corry is among four returning starters for the Gaffney Indians, who began practice on Monday. The team will scrimmage Class 2A champion Southside on Tuesday. If you're looking for a suprise team to go far in the playoffs, try the Gaffney Indians.

Don't let last season's 6-6 region record fool you. Gaffney returns four starters and Gaffney boys basketball coach Mark Huff said he had the highest number of players in several years participate in the first day of tryouts on Monday.

"We had a good fall conditioning and we are looking forward to the season," he said.

Gaffney finished its summer program with a solid 16-7 mark, including team camps and shootouts.

Huff said he plans to trim his roster from 26 players to 18-20, including varsity and junior varsity players, this week.

He plans to make another cut when more players join the team after the conclusion of the football season.

Huff and his staff have been evaluating the players during the first two practice sessions.

"We have gone through skill and drills that gives us a chance to evaluate the player," he said. "We want to see who can play what position."

The Indians return four starters, including the starting backcourt of Emison Hughes and Josh Corry.

Bubba Wright and Jeff Brown are frontcourt returning players.

Huff said the Indians will have a successful season if the team improves its rebounding and defense. Huff also is hoping the team takes strides in playing as a unit.

"We have to play more like a team than individuals," the coach said.

The Indians will scrimmage defending Class 2A champion Southside on Tuesday.

The regular season opener is slated for Friday, Dec. 5 against Union.