FORT GIBSON — This time, they’re getting a running start —literally.

The run at a fourth Class 4A girls basketball finals spot — and perhaps for a change of pace, a gold ball rather than a silver one — has begun at Fort Gibson with lots of running.

“I’ve been trying to push them,” Fort Gibson coach Jerry Walker said, himself just three weeks removed from collecting a silver ball in fastpitch softball. “We did that in the preseason and those workouts have gone well under coach (Chuck) London, my assistant coach.”

And again, the emphasis is running. Because with a four-year post player named Kendra Dean now playing on scholarship at Northeastern State, the look of the team must change.

Hence, the running.

“We’re going to be too small not to extend the floor and we’re working on a lot of defense and technique because while we’re going to run we’re going to also increase our aggressive play,” Walker said.

“But we’re in better shape than we’ve ever been.”

And not exactly empty on talent. Every other starter returns. Dean takes a 5-foot-10 frame out of the mix but Brennan Miller, a 5-7 senior who with Dean made the All-Phoenix team last year, brings back a 14-point scoring average.

Senior Taylor Wilson is close to Dean’s height at 5-9 but is more the perimeter player.

The best part, if you look at the number of collegiate inquiries, is junior guard Carissa Crutchfield. Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Rice, Kansas, Missouri State and Tulsa are all knocking on Walker’s door and ringing his phone about her.

“They’ve made her a priority even as she has a year left here,” Walker said. “I think she’s going to step up really big in this style of play. Her outside shooting has improved, her mental approach of coming in and getting ready to work is solid and she’s not just a freshman or sophomore anymore. She’ll have a big role instead of a little part.”

The Lady Tigers will again be trying to figure out how to get over that final hump after a third straight loss in the finals — the last two letting a lead go in the final two minutes. One preseason publication has Fort Gibson No. 2 in 4A behind Cache.

“Fortunately for us, no one in our class has a dominant big girl we’ll have to contend with,” he said. “In this style, I think we can be the most athletic team and I think that can pay off with another shot at winning the thing.”

Fort Gibson’s season begins on Dec. 1 with the Fort Gibson Festival.