Timberlake Christian Academy has a modest goal this year, but one that coach Rodney Kane thinks can be reached.

“Our goal is to make the VIC (Virginia Independent Conference) playoffs. It is something we have never done, but something I believe we can reach this year.”

Kane's confidence is bolstered by the return of four lettermen, the arrival of two transfers and a good crop of JV graduates that give the team more height and quickness.

TCS lost its top two stars from last season, Gary Schmincke and Richard Lambert, now a student at Averett College. The two averaged about 30 points per game last season.

“We need someone who can take up the slack,” said Kane, whose team was 8-14 last season. “And I think we have them in R.T. Lyons and Shawn McNamara.”

Lyons, one of four returning lettermen, averaged 7.7 points and 7 rebounds per game. McNamara is a 6-5 newcomer who with his 6-2 brother Shane played at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., last season. He has been impressive in preseason drills, and Kane is counting on using him as the center or power forward.

Shane McNamara is expected to fill a reserve role this year.

To make the VIC playoffs, a team needs to finish in the top four in its division, and Kane said he thinks TCS can win or finish second in the VIC Southern Division this year.

Jeremy Dooley, a junior, averaged 5.7 points as a starter last season. Greg Pulliam and William Lemar are the other returnees from last season, but only Pulliam saw much action. Lemar “has really improved,” said Kane, “but I expect I will use him as the sixth or seventh man this season.”

Another reason for Kane's optimism is the team's height and the prospects from the JV. In addition to Lyons and the McNamaras, Timberlake has 6-3 Jeff Bryant as a reserve.

Eric Stallings, up from the JV, gives the team quickness.

“He's super quick,” said Kane.