Three new coaches and a renovated facility at Vicksburg High ushered in the start of basketball season on Monday.

It was the first day teams in the Mississippi High School Activities Association were allowed to practice, and the Vicksburg Gators did it in a renovated gym.

Over the summer, work crews sanded down the old floor, repainted and varnished it. The floor also has a fresh color scheme to go along with new green-colored bleachers.

Gators coach Dellie C. Robinson said the revamped setting will take some getting used to.

“It’s certainly brighter in here,” Robinson said.

If only the same could be said for this season. Robinson must replace five starters — including Vicksburg Post player of the year Mychal Ammons, who is now at South Alabama — and two key reserves from the team that came within one victory of a state championship.

Vicksburg went 28-4 last season and lost to Meridian in the Class 6A title game.