Coming into this season, the Warren Central Vikings had hopes of bringing the program to new heights.

They had all five starters returning. They had a proven point guard, size and speed, rebounding ability and outside shooters.

Then reigning Vicksburg Post Player of the Year Chico Hunter blew out his knee during football and projected starter Anthony Lewis was sidelined because of academics.

Despite the setbacks and lost players, coach Jesse Johnson is convinced that his team can make hay in the postseason.

&#8220We had a real strong offseason, despite those few setbacks,” Johnson said. &#8220We are looking for some guys that played last year to step up and make a bigger contribution this year as starters.”

Hunter’s absence will cost the Vikings 18 points per game and relentless hustle. It will also cost the team a valuable starting spot, making a once-deep bench slim.

The Vikings’ love to run on both offense and defense. Last season, the team freely substituted nine to 10 players, but this year the depth will be cut.

Johnson, though, said he will not change his style of play and that the team would continue to push the ball both on offense and defense.

Shaun Walker will lead the Vikings at point guard, while Andre Thomas has grown about three inches to 6-foot-4.

&#8220Shaun will be counted on to provide leadership for us. I am expecting really big things from him,” Johnson said. &#8220Andre has been a little of a surprise for us. He has really grown as a basketball player.”

Jula Pugh and Shone Ester also are expected to see plenty of time at the guard position.

Andy Anderton, the tallest Viking at 6-foot-6, will provide defense down low.

&#8220He won’t score as many points, but he provides defense on the other team’s big man,” Johnson said. &#8220He’ll carry us in the middle.”

Mario Luckett, who will miss the first few games of the season, is the team’s most dangerous player. With an ability to jump out of the building and with a sweet shooting touch, he will play both the small and power forward positions. Quinton Jenkins also returns and will provide needed size.

WC is entering a new division with Vicksburg, Greenville and powerful Madison Central.

&#8220We will be in the thick of things at the end of the year and I expect us to make a run at a championship,” Johnson said.