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First year head coach Stanley Dixon won’t be the only new face in the Southside dugout this spring.

The Seahawks are looking to replace four of their top five hitters and their top starting pitcher after a 10-10 season in 2022 that saw the team fall just short of the 1A playoffs.

Former head coach Daniel Folk resigned to spend more time with his family and Dixon, who also coaches wrestling and assists with football inherited a young team with potential.

Senior Walker Hill is the top returning player after batting .344 with a team-high 22 runs batted in and 10 stolen bases. He struck out 29 batters in 27.2 innings on the mound, mostly in relief last spring, but Dixon is counting on him to be the top starter in 2023.

“I can put him on anywhere on the field and he’ll do well, but I need him to pitch,” Dixon said. “We are extremely young this year and will start three freshmen. His leadership and steady play will be a huge help to the young guys.”

Hill and first baseman Carson Edwards are the only seniors, while Tequan (Tater) Moore is one of five juniors who will see extensive playing time. Moore is battling a shoulder injury and the infielder will be limited to the designated hitter role.

Dixon said juniors Latham Dixon, Nolan Dixon and Ian Quidley will start in the outfield, while junior Cutter Williams will rotate with Hill between the mound and shortstop.

Freshmen Joshua Lewis and Taylor Ashley will play second and third base depending on who is pitching.

Freshman Jackson Hardy will be the starting catcher.

Sophomores Austin Gerard and Luke Perry along with freshmen Luke Bullock and Salill Desal will action as well.

“I expect us to improve as the season goes along,” Dixon said. “Our freshmen are talented, but they haven’t experienced a high school season. The game is faster, but they will be fine once they adjust. Our pitching and defense should be our strengths at the beginning and I think the other phases will catch up.”

Dixon expects East Carteret and Northside to provide the main competition in the Coastal Plains Conference. The Seahawks and Panthers face off twice in the same week in a home and home series in late March.