GARDNER — Gardner-South Wilmington coach Justin Stevenson is about to embark on his initial season at the helm of the Panthers boys basketball team. A sophomore coach a year ago, Stevenson comes in after a season that was split in the coaching seat last year by Russ Gilmour and Shane Tucker.

Having been in the system, Stevenson and his team are feeling positive about things as the winter season dawns, despite the varsity Panthers having a 9-15 record a year ago.

"The juniors know me and what I run. They know how to work hard," Stevenson said. "I was with them as sophomores last year and have been with them all summer, too. I'm familiar with them, so I know what they can and can't do and what the team should be working on."