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Four and a half months before the official start of the scholastic basketball season South Carroll High head coach Doug Goff finds himself patrolling the sidelines again while leading a group of Cavaliers in the Liberty Club Summer Basketball League.

"Any time the kids can play, let alone play together, it's beneficial," Goff said. "The fact that I can implement out system to some of the players without varsity experience is even more helpful."

Summer's typically a bit early for Goff to pick up the clipboard. This is the first year that he, or any other head coach, has been allowed to guide their respective squads during the summer. None of the six teams (Liberty, Century, Glenelg, South Carroll, Francis Scott Key or Gettysburg, Pa.) are officially affiliated with their represented schools.

Exiled to the bleachers, Goff liked what we saw last summer. Though he'd rather have been on the bench, it was an opportunity for him to examine his players and their respective talents from a different perspective.

"I saw potential during the games last summer," Goff said. "I did not coach them last summer so we did not totally run our system. But I did feel confident going into the season."

Goff's confidence was warranted. That potential he spoke of panned out as South Carroll defeated Havre de Grace for the Class 1A South Region championship, then came just short of knocking off Pocomoke (56-54) in the state semifinals at the University of Maryland last March.

Spillover from the Cavaliers' inspiring run continues. More and more players are hitting the hardwood earlier than they would before.

"The interest in the offseason has increased, I believe partially due to the success we had this past season," Goff said. "More players are playing AAU or AYB [American Youth Basketball] and have committed to play in the summer and even the fall prior to our season."

After graduating six seniors, South Carroll is reloading. Fourteen potential players showed up for Tuesday's summer opener, a 55-46 loss to Century. Returning varsity lettermen, not all of whom were present Tuesday, include Jason Sumpter, Daniel Mullen, Alex Terpening, Ryan McTavish, Joe Wright and Zach Eldridge. Goff also expects McTavish's younger brother Gavin, a 6-foot-4 freshman, to make a mark. Space is limited and competition is fierce.

"Guys are already battling for spots on the team and playing time," Goff said.