With seven returning players, three of which are starters, this could be the season that the Northside boy’s basketball team could take over the top spot in the Blue Ridge District and make a long run deep into the postseason.

With half of his team still playing football, head coach Bill Pope, who is starting his 26th season, has only six players in practice each day.

Pope sees his top players, who should may an impact this season, as their top returning varsity players from last year. Todd Dunbar (teams second leading scorer last season and leading rebounder); Amir Abdul- Jabbar returning starter; Adam Hardister (returning starter); Will Holladay (Senior); Todd Crowder (sophomore up from the JV ); and Jarrien Hairston (junior up from the JV).

Northside has plenty of depth and senior leadership on its roster, which is the one of the team's stronger points this year.

"We have seven returning lettermen from last year's team," said Pope. "We have a good mix of veterans and underclassman, plus we have more depth in the post positions than previous years."

The Vikings see their top games as those being within the district.

Northside will be hosting its 13th annual invitational tournament Dec 28-30 (Wed-Fri). The teams involved are Christiansburg (last year’s defending champions), Blacksburg, William Byrd, Franklin County, Brookville, EC Glass, Pulaski, and Northside. The tournament will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each of the three days. The JV tournament will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the varsity games will be 2:30 p.m.; 4:15; 6:00 and 7:45 each day.

"I think I’m going to like the team that eventually will come together in the next several weeks," added Pope.  "I’m excited about the upcoming season and the many great match-ups both in and out of district play."

The Vikings open their season on Friday, Dec. 2, when they host Blacksburg.