Rams head coach Theodore“Blue” Edwards gestures to his team about defense during a timeout against Eastern Wayne last week. Rudy Coggins photo/Neuse News

SNOW HILL - Although he was proud of his players’ accomplishments, Theodore “Blue” Edwards experienced mixed emotions as they walked across the graduation stage last June.

Among them were current UNC Wilmington freshman Imajae Dodd, who helped lead Greene Central to three eastern regional title games and a state runner-up as a junior.

You could say the honeymoon period is over.

Yet, despite those losses, expectations remain high for Edwards and his players this season.

“I’m constantly telling the guys that each time you step onto the court, whether it’s a practice or a game, you’ve got to serious and committed to playing together and playing with heart for four quarters,” Edwards said.

“We are a different team and we have to play a different way.”

Greene Central plans to utilize its speed and creativity. A year ago, the Rams played a predictable style where they threw the ball inside to Dodd, a dominant low-post presence that does not exist this season.

Edwards said the team must share the ball a little bit more and generate offense off of its defense.

The Rams (1-0 overall) used a 1-2-2 press to increase the tempo and run away to a 22-point season-opening win over Eastern Wayne. Guard Bobby “BJ” Corbitt ran the offense, and got help from three big men - Zakvil Smith, Dontavious Pettaway and Zach Taylor. The trio combined for six blocked shots and controlled the boards.

Beddingfield transfer Lamont Speight (high-ankle sprain) and Kentrell Suggs, two post players, are expected to take the court within the next few days.

“The other guys got some playing time, so they’re a little experienced,” Edwards said of Smith, Pettaway and Taylor. “I think games four and five is when they’re really going to settle into a groove. Speight gives us another athletic guard and another scorer, a guy that can bring some toughness to us.

“I have to find out when we need a basket, who do we go to [and] who can I trust with the basketball?”

Greene Central is the guest of Eastern Wayne today. The Rams entertain Beddingfield on Wednesday and welcome defending 2-A state champ Farmville Central to the Ram Pen on Friday.