Point guard Dershawn Dawkins will be among the talented returning players for the state champion Gaffney Indians next season. Photo by CODY SOSSAMON Next season.

That’s already the focus of Class 4A state champion coach Mark Huff.

The Gaffney Indians will miss the leadership and abilities of graduating seniors Josh Corry, Chase Smith, Bo Wray and Dominique Byers, but the Indians have enough returning talent to make another run at a state title next season.

“The seniors worked awfully hard for us,” Huff said. “All the players, except for Bo have been in the program for four years. They dedicated themselves to be part of a winning program and they should be applauded for that.”

Next season, the Indians will be led by point guard Dershawn Dawkins, who led the team in scoring in the playoffs, and the inside tandem of Quinshad Davis and L.J. Peak. The other returning varsity players include Michael Wright, Willie Smith, Zevonta Shands, Chace Wright and C.J. Miller.

But those players will be pressed by rising juniors and sophomores eager to win one of the 12 or 13 coveted spots on the varsity.

The junior varsity team finished with a 13-6 record and featured leading scorer Ron Best.

The ninth-grade team gave their best Connecticut women’s team impression by dominating the competition and finishing the season with a perfect 19-0 mark. Thomas Hardy, Kerry Williams and O’bryant Davidson were some of the top performers on the team.

“Obviously, we have some very good prospects coming up,” Huff said. “The future looks promising.”

Although the physical skills may be present, Huff said it’s yet to be determined if the newcomers will have the work ethic and team-first mentality needed for success.

The process of evaluating talent and determining the best 12 or 13 players will begin this summer.

“That’s what our summer program is for,” Huff said. “We’ll evaluate their skills. Nobody is guaranteed to be on the team or be a starter. It’s something you have to earn.”