Mark Huff Like any good coach, Gaffney boys varsity coach Mark Huff is downplaying his team’s preseason No. 2 ranking.

Huff said the ranking is more a reflection of last year’s team’s accomplishment of advancing to the Class 4A state title game, and, the fact, the team returns the Class 4A player of the year in Josh Corry.

But the ranking may have a positive effect.

“Hopefully, the ranking will make the kids play harder because of the respect the coaches around the state have for our program.”

If the Indians advance to the state championship game again, don’t be surprised if they find a familiar foe - Goose Creek, the defending state champion and top ranked team in the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association preseason poll.

Dorman is ranked third, while Hillcrest is fourth and Fort Dorchester is fifth. Traditional Midlands basketball powers Lexington is ranked sixth and Irmo is ninth.

Carolina Forest is ranked seventh, with Sumter at eight and West Ashley at No. 10.

The high ranking won’t change the team’s expectations, which are the same from season to season.

“We set lofty goals every year to win the region championship and the state championship,” Huff said.

The Indians will be tested this season, according to Huff.

“We will play the best competition we can,” he said. “We played Hillcrest in a scrimmage and will play Dorman, which is third in the state, in the regular season.” Perennial powers Spartanburg and Union also return to this year’s schedule.

Gaffney will scrimmage another talented team in Greer on Saturday before opening the regular season on Friday, Dec. 4 at home against Union.