All are polite, but on the court they formed a three-headed monster last Friday at Williamsport’s Magic Dome. There, that trio took a bite out of Columbia, combining for 21 points, 22 rebounds, eight steals and eight blocks as Hughesville won its 3A state tournament opener, 63-32.

Next up is tonight’s second round clash against Notre Dame-Green Pond at Berwick.

“They all rotate well, their help defense is great and they can all block shots,” Hughesville coach Dustin King said. “They’re fast, and they can handle the ball offensively, too. There are so many things those girls can do and they’re finding that out together.”

Individually, they are good players, but collectively they have become game-changers. Whether it shows up in the box score or not, each often has a massive impact on the game. That was the case against Columbia with each post providing help in all areas.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Vivian Draper (34) shoots over Loyalsock's Jillian Kennedy (10) in the first quarter.

Draper totaled eight points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Easton seemingly was everywhere defensively, totaling six points, nine boards, five blocks and three steals. Schultz continued excelling off the bench and went for seven points, six rebounds and two blocks.

Every Spartan did her part as has been the case all season. But having quality forwards to complement the backcourt certainly provides a nice boost.

“I know if I pass it in, they’re either going to make the right move or kick it back out. They know what to do with the ball and they fly everywhere,” guard Maddie Smith said. “They’re so nice to be around on the court. They push me to the best of my ability and seeing them fly around and doing what they do best is everything.”

Smith credited the post players for making all their teammates better, specifically citing how they play every bit as hard at practice as they do during games. Iron often sharpens iron. Spirited practices by all have helped the Spartans (25-3) capture a second district championship and reach the state tournament’s second round for a third straight season.

“We play hard against each other,” Schultz said. “We try and make sure everyone is doing really good and playing as best they can.”

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Hughesville's Casey Schultz (22) attempts to shoot during a high school girls basketball game against Dallas at Hughesville on Saturday.

Draper has helped set the tone since her freshman season and has climbed the charts on the Hughesville career rebounding list. Her relentless hustle played a vital role in Hughesville starting strong against Columbia and Draper is part of a senior class which has 83 games.

Easton also started making an impact as a freshman two years ago but really started blossoming as a sophomore last season, going against all-state center Alli Anstadt each day at practice. Now, she has emerged as one of the area’s premier defenders and came up especially big in three games against reigning 3A Player of the Year Alaina Dadzie, helping Hughesville sweep three games from the defending state champions.

The casual observer might not realize how crucial a role Easton plays. She doesn’t care either. As long as Hughesville is winning, that’s all that matters.

“I like to take a key role in that. I like doing the dirty work,” Easton said. “It makes me feel like I’ve done something to contribute to the team. All the stats are pretty equal and everyone does an amazing job on the whole team.”

Schultz has embodied that team-first approach as well, fitting like a glove as a freshman on an experienced team. Making the adjustment from junior high to varsity basketball can be a daunting task, but Schultz has received both lessons and confidence, playing alongside the veteran players.

Put it together and the freshman forward has surged throughout the postseason. Schultz has brought energy and production off the bench and her steal and layup stopped a Columbia third quarter run while helping Hughesville break things open.

“I was a little shy at first but my team made me get my confidence,” Smith said. “That helped a lot.”

Once she broke from that shell, Schultz made a quality inside duo become a triple threat. She provides Hughesville some flexibility and has embraced the roles that Draper and Easton have flourished in the last few years.

The coaches brought Schultz along slowly and that approach has helped make her a fast learner, one who is hitting her stride at the perfect time. Again, it’s a team effort.

“We all knew coming up she was going to be special; we just didn’t know when she was going to kind of get there, but she’s getting there fast,” King said. “It helps when you have Viv and Anna go at her in practice and you can see it’s really helping her. It’s one thing the older girls are passing down to the younger girls and they’re learning fast.”

Draper and Easton learned from past leaders like Anstadt, Ava Snyder and Breanna Bobak. Now they continue passing the baton while also making their own marks. They are paving the way for the future, while also embracing the present.

And the link which binds the three post players–the entire team for that matter–is a ferocious work ethic. That helps because Hughesville knows the hard work continues tonight as another tough opponent comes its way.

Moments like these are what all the work is for. It’s a different environment come game time, but lessons learned at practice travel and the three post players have done quite a job driving home that message.

“I think Casey was a little shy at first, but I think we as upperclassmen did a good job opening her up and realizing that mistakes are OK, everyone makes them, so just go out there and play your best and that’s all anyone can ask,” Smith said. “I think Viv and Anna have done a great job pushing her and working for her. It’s showing on the court and I can’t thank them enough.”