“Tradition” and “Warren Central basketball” aren’t words that are often used in the same sentence.

The boys program hasn’t played in the state tournament since 1974 and hasn’t had a winning record since 2005-06. The girls team has three state championships from the 1980s on its resumé, but hasn’t gotten past the North State satellite round since 2007.

It’s a culture of mediocrity both teams are trying to change.

“It’s a little deeper than having a couple of good years. What you’re looking for is sustained success,” said WC boys coach Bruce Robinson, who is entering his first season at the school. “It’s a matter of changing the mindset, getting the kids to buy into a system and believe that can be successful. This is a great place to do it.”

Although Robinson has a long-term plan, he also has plenty of reason to expect more immediate success. Only two seniors were lost from a team that went 10-14 last season — its best record in five years.

Among the returners are four of the team’s top six scorers from last season, including reigning Vicksburg Post Player of the Year Kourey Davis. Tristan Lowery, a 6-foot-7 sophomore center, had 15 points and eight rebounds in a season-opening win over Crystal Springs, while sophomore guard Mario Doyle scored 11 points.

“There’s tremendous talent here. When you’ve got a 6-7 or 6-9 sophomore center that doesn’t mind coming to the gym and working, that’s great,” Robinson said. “The guards are underclassmen. So the talent level, there’s enough here. When we can get a spring under us and work with them, we’ll be all right.”

Davis, who averaged 17 points per game last season, is one of four players still with the football team. Their absence until at least next week will give the younger Vikings a chance to get their feet wet against a brutal non-division schedule.

Before Christmas, WC will play eight teams that won at least 17 games last season, including tonight’s home opener against defending Class 6A champion Jim Hill and a midweek game at defending Class 4A champ Amanda Elzy on Dec. 11.

“We have one of the toughest schedules in the state. The places we’re going to play are tough places, and the division is one of the toughest in the state. The schedule is pretty demanding,” Robinson said. “We believe iron sharpens iron. We’re looking to beat the teams we’re comparable with and steal one or two more.”

For the Lady Vikes, success will be defined less by wins and losses and more by how far they go in the postseason. They’ve lost in the North State satellite game in three of the last four seasons.

Warren Central went 9-18 last season and lost in the satellite game to Southaven. “That has been our pattern for the last three years. We’ll play for the division championship, lose, then lose in the satellite game. Our goal is to make it past the satellite,” said Lady Vikes coach Jackie Martin-Brown, who is entering her fourth season.

Three senior starters — guards Rolanda Lovette, Jazmine Walker and Alexis Daniels — are back this season. Sophomore forward Denitra “Shae” Bracey played well at the end of last season and opened this one by scoring 19 points in a win over Jim Hill.

Martin-Brown said her team’s depth will be a key asset.

“I feel we’re experienced with our guards. They’ve been playing together since eighth grade. We also have some younger ones that can give us some help,” Martin-Brown said. “I have at last two players at each position. I think I have a solid 10, and almost 12.”