Spring Valley’s Jonathon Garrett drives in for the layup against Sumter. Photos by Mike Maddock A month ago, Spring Valley coach Perry Dozier had no idea how to gauge this edition of the boys basketball Vikings.

All of the starters were gone – as were most of the reserves. In their place were a lot of … nothing.

“I had no idea how to gauge this team,” Dozier said.

He does now.

With limited height, he knows Spring Valley will be at a disadvantage against most teams and particularly vulnerable to teams such as Sumter, which sports four post players, two of whom are at least 6-7.

With young guards, he knows they can shoot but that consistency will be an issue.

With so little experience, he knows leadership will have to be cultivated, and someone must step up.

Against Sumter on Monday night, all three issues conspired against the Vikings in an 84–71 loss.

Spring Valley’s Russell McCray looks to score against Sumter. Spring Valley’s tallest player, Chris Brown (6-4) plunged into early foul trouble and had four fouls before halftime. His absence opened the interior for the taller Gamecocks: 22 of their 32 baskets came from within the paint.

“It’s from the paint that we give up the majority of points,” Dozier said. “And, anytime we get the ball into the paint, we run into bigger people that definitely influence our shots. It’s hard when we’re the smaller team against everyone we face.”

The Vikings matched Sumter until the final 90 seconds of the first half when an 11–point surge against the rattled Vikings gave the Gamecocks a 10–point lead. Sumter built the lead to 16 midway through the third quarter and never led by less than 10 the rest of the way.

Guards Russell McCray and Jonathon Garrett led the Vikings with 20 and 19 points, respectively. However, the rest of the Vikings combined for nine field goals.

“Our guards are better shooters than I thought (coming into the season),” Dozier said. “Russell plays as hard as he can all the time. Devante (Brooks) is able to really stroke the ball. Austin Beamus (7 points) comes off the bench and can score. Now we need to have that happen all the time. James Koon (senior forward) has been the most pleasant surprise. He’s been with me three or four years – never started – but he’s really emerging as a player, and he has a great attitude and great grades.”

The question remains whether Koon and the rest of the Vikings can come up with the right answers now that they know what the test questions are for this season.