To claim the school’s first-ever state title in boys’ basketball last March, Gray Collegiate Academy overcame the absence of a key player.

As a new season begins, the War Eagles find themselves in the same scenario.

Instead of an injury, they will have to contend with the transfer out of state of last year’s Class 2A player of the Year guard Juwan Gary.

Through one game this season, Gray Collegiate has once again regrouped with their returning players. The 90-63 win over Northwood Temple at the Battle of the Rock this past Friday saw five players score in double figures.

Jalil Robinson had a team-high 23 points and 8 rebounds, followed by Tommy Bruner with 15, Chase McDuffie with 14, Jalen DeLoach with 13 points and 9 rebounds and Khalil Robinson with 12.

It was the 17th consecutive victory dating back to last season for Gray Collegiate, which has also won its last 20 games against Palmetto State teams.

“Great team effort and our bench is deep,” GCA head coach Dion Bethea said. “It’s going to be a fun season.”

It was Bruner who stepped up in the absence of Khalil Robinson to lead the War Eagles at the point position. With both guards back, the starting unit appears as potent as last year’s group with Gary averaging 20.5 points a contest.

The frontcourt with newcomer DeLoach to go with senior Dallaz Corbett and attentional bench support from the likes of McDuffie and Dayon Dinkins and there’s a reason why Bethea is all smiles for now.

“We know we have the target on our back. We just have to make sure we match their intensity and play good basketball and do it together.”

Gray Collegiate’s next challenge is this weekend at the Bojangles’ Bash at Ridge View High School. The War Eagles open Friday against Aspire Academy, then face Cardinal Newman on Saturday at 9 p.m.

Gray Collegiate lost last year’s opening contest to Trinity Christian before rebounding against Lower Richland. Bethea believes his team will not enter the Bash this year “going through the motions”.

Gray Collegiate will compete at 4 more Classics before starting region play.

“The great thing about it is we see different teams,” Bethea said. “When you go to these big events, you want the opportunities to branch out and see different types of basketball. It helps us when we come back to region play and the playoffs.”