CHOCOWINITY — Southside knew it had something special when it got the trio of forward Michaela Dixon and guards Symone and Danielle Ruffin four years ago. As a freshman, Symone led the team in scoring (9.3 points per game) and steals (5.1 per game). Dixon was the second-leading rebounder (3.7 per game).

The team was, in a lot of ways, theirs come their sophomore years. All three were among Southside’s top-five scorers that year. Dixon led the team in rebounding. The Ruffin duo was both in the top three in steals per game.

Their skillsets have only improved with time. The three were the top scorers last year and led in a number of other statistical categories. As always seems to be the case, they faced their early-season struggles with the schedule, but still managed to earn a playoff berth.

Their junior campaigns ended in an eight-point loss at Princeton in the first round. Now, in their final go around, the three Lady Seahawk seniors are poised to take this team as far as they can go.

“I feel like we’re prepared,” Danielle said of how all the minutes played has helped the trio get to this point. “It’s taught us to work hard and to lead the (younger) people.”

They’ve noticed how much better they play together now versus when they made their varsity debuts. Chemistry has improved with each minute they’re on the floor together.

“When we were freshmen, it was kind of hard because we were just learning to play,” Symone said. “Now it’s easy. We can do it with our eyes closed.”

It’s not much of an exaggeration. The three have been playing together long enough to know where each other are on the court at any given time. It helps Danielle and Symone link up on transition plays. Then, when the half-court offense is set, they’re able to spread out defenses so as to give Dixon easy chances in the paint.

“They were athletic and they were friends,” coach Milton Ruffin said. “Their chemistry, they grew up with each other, and as seniors now, they know where each other is supposed to be on the floor.”

Southside is off to a hot start this year. Even though the team won’t play at home until the beginning of January, the senior trio has spearheaded a 2-0 start that featured lopsided wins over Bear Grass and Mattamuskeet.

There’s no doubt that this group is leading the charge. A crop of underclassmen talent has rounded out the team. Sophomore Shantel Cannon has already picked up where she left off last season. She’s hauled in six rebounds in each of Southside’s first two games.

“I feel like we work really well together. All the freshmen are stepping up,” Dixon said. There is also a group of eight new freshmen. The landslide wins early on have meant more playing time for them. Dalaney Ayers, Sarah Petty and Laquisha Woolard have thrived in their opportunities.

Now Southside gears up for 1-A Coastal Plains Conference play. It began at Pamlico County on Tuesday. That game should serve as an early measuring stick for the Lady Seahawks. The Lady Canes played for the 1-A state championship a year ago. They’re the favorite to win the conference this season. This week ends with games at Columbia on Thursday and at Jones Senior on Friday.

Southside is dedicating this season to late coach Bill Lake, who passed away on June 26. Lake was a mentor to the coaching staff and was the bench boss when these seniors were freshmen.

“He was a great man and he will be missed. We want to dedicate our season to his memory,” Milton Ruffin said.