Coach Woodie Jackson’s Francis Marion Rams are a traditional 3A powerhouse.

If the Rams aren’t competing with the elite in the state, it’s a down year, but don’t expect any dip from Jackson’s team this season.

They’re loaded once again.

“Our preseason work out went very well,” Jackson said. We worked extremely hard on the fundamentals.

I think this year we’re going to try and let them play.”

With a talented and versatile bunch, Jackson’s team has a hole to fill at the point.

They lost a talented senior from last year’s team, now a trip of players are stepping up to fill the void.

“They’re going to have to adapt,” Jackson said. “I look for the point guard to be my stopper on defense.”

Seniors Jeremy Arrington and James Hogue and junior Blaine Tindull will be called on to be the Rams’ floor generals.

“Jeremy is a better shooter, he’s a stronger kid,” Jackson said. “Tindull and Hogue are the better defensive players.

Arrington’s not bad, but I think the other two play a little better defense then he does right now.”

Star Julius Allgood represented the Rams in the North/South All-Star game.

His ability to play all five spots on the floor at 6-foot-6, gives Jackson a multitude of options.

“He’s got a chance of being a really good player,” Jackson said. “We’re going to use him at all five positions.

He was our second leading scorer last year with 14 points and 12 rebounds.”

They also have the latest edition of the Moore clan, Brian.

He’s the fourth of the Moore brothers to play for coach Jackson.

One brother, Marvin, is playing at Ole Miss.

Another, Franklin, is at Shelton State.

While his brothers are 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-7, Brian needs to do some growing if he’s going to catch up.

“He’s a finesse forward,” Jackson said. “He started for us last year. He’s got good bloodlines.”

Courtney Sewell may not have the height of some of the centers in the area, but he’ll make up for it with muscle.

“He will probably start at center, he’s a 6-2, muscle-type guy,” Jackson said.

Dwayne Wood will be the team’s two-guard.

“He’s a great hustler and one of the better jump shooters we’ve got,” Jackson said. “He’s got a really good first step.”

Brently Wright will see lots of time for Jackson and Adrian Essex is making the jump from the B-team. Essex brings some size to the Rams.

“We look for him to give a lot of minutes on the inside,” Jackson said. “When he jumps you can barely slide a piece of paper under his feet, but he can box out really good.”

Julius’ brother Clarence Allgood and John Williams round out the roster.

“We have 11 kids, three seniors, one sophomore and seven juniors,” Jackson said. “We’re going to be inexperienced.”

Young or not, Jackson’s team will be competing for the school’s seventh state title.

“I feel good,” Jackson said. “It’s all left up to the players.

A lot of people want to win, the key is to prepare to win.”