CHOCOWINITY — Southside lost just one senior from last year’s team, meaning it has a seasoned group gearing up for the start of basketball season. With a 7-14 (3-9 Coastal Plains Conference) season behind them, a large core of veteran juniors is ready to put their experience to the test.

Here’s what Lady Seahawks coach Milton Ruffin had to say going into Friday’s season opener against Lejeune.

 

How he feels about the team this year:

“I feel pretty confident about the team this year. I have eight players returning this year. We have a lot of experience on the floor, so I’m looking for great things from them.”

 

How he hopes to see Southside operate as a unit this season:

“It’s about the team for us. I really don’t have a player that’s going to stand out, so we’re going to be playing good team ball. Everybody has to do their job.”

 

What he thinks the girls can do with all their experience playing together:

“Most of it’s going to be in the halfcourt. Last year, we did struggle with our halfcourt offense. We’ve been practicing more with our halfcourt offense. I’m looking for execution. Also, I’m looking for the turnovers to come down. Turnovers came form a lack of experience. This year, we have it and I think we can overcome that.”

 

How long the Lady Seahawks have been waiting for game time:

“It’s been about a month and a half. We’ve been doing everything trying to get better. We’re doing a lot of shooting, a lot of dribbling and just some fundamentals.”

 

What challenges come with opening the season against a league opponent:

“It’s going to be a challenge. I know we’re physically ready, but we need to be basketball ready. There’s a difference in going out there and playing basketball and just running up and down the court.”

 

What some reasonable expectations are:

“I’m looking to be at least near the top. I feel real confident about the experience. It should take us a long way. We should be able to compete with all the teams.”

 

What he sees when he looks around the rest of the conference:

“Pamlico County is a good team. East Carteret, I believe we can go out there and compete with them. I feel like we can. We have a good chance to compete.”