From turf to hardwood, Beaufort County prepares to transition from the fall to the winter sports seasons.

With last week’s Pam Pack quarterfinal loss, soccer has already given way to the brisk temperatures of November and football, well, seems to be in its final stretch, though Washington, among others, are primed to make a deep playoff run that could stretch into December.

Now, it’s time to reawake the spirit of James Naismith and prepare for another drama-filled basketball season that’s sure to introduce a series of storylines, rather quickly.

Before the first tip, a storyline is already shaping up in Washington. With the resignation of head coach Allison Jones last spring, new Athletic Director Jon Scharpenberg takes the reins to a women’s basketball team that finished 7-11 last year, but managed to slide into the playoffs. In one season at East Columbus, Scharpenberg inherited a solid Gators squad and coached them to a 19-6 record. Consistency is something the Pam Pack program has been striving for and fans are hopeful the new coach can take them past the first round in 2015.

Not to be overlooked, Beaufort County’s only wrestling program is also under new leadership. Chris Penhollow, the coach who brought a Farmville Central program back to relevancy, takes over a disciplined Washington team that has won over 120 matches in the last 10 years. From the start, Penhollow has entered the new job with a positive attitude with the hope of continuing the success established by former coach Dan Riggs.

As the sports move indoors, it’s important to remember that unruly comments and a lack of sportsmanship is only elevated inside a gymnasium. Basketball, more than any other sport, seems to bring out the most hecklers. Be smart about what you say because now more than ever, referees are alert to off-the-court commentaries.