Francis Marion coach Woodie Jackson should be forgiven if he doesn’t want to play inside Selma High’s gym again anytime soon.

Not that the Saints were inhospitable during their holiday tournament, but coach Jackson must have seen the 2003-2004 season flash before his eyes as the Rams suffered injuries to three starters in their Selma tournament game against Lee.

Still Jackson’s boys showed how tough they were.

They battled back beat Lee, then beat Southside and finally lost to Selma but put up a good fight.

The Rams kept that tough attitude all month long and after beating Sumter County last week, Francis Marion won the coin flip and home-court advantage for the area tournament.

Jackson’s team is deep, talented, tough and getting healthy.

It may be enough for the Rams to earn their sixth state title.

With senior swingman Julius Allgood leading the way, the Rams aren’t too shabby themselves. Allgood is a do-it-all forward who has filled in some at point guard. Allgood can play all over the floor and is a threat for a double-double every single night.

But Allgood can’t do it alone.

Brian Moore is a leaper and a battler inside.

He can block shots and rule the boards, but he’s just getting back to full strength from an ankle injury suffered in the Lee game.

Jackson also singled out the

play of Jeremy Arrington,

Dwayne Woods and Brently Wright.

With the depleted numbers, Jackson got to use a pair of freshman sharp-shooters as well.

Their experience will help later this season and farther down the road.

Despite their strong play and improving health, Jackson said he won’t be pleased until they achieve their goals.

If Jackson’s six state titles mean anything, than he’s just the man to get it done.