Three-peat, anyone?

Hiland vies for its third-straight state title when it kicks off its season against Inter-Valley Conference rival Garaway at the Perry Reese Jr. Community Center on Dec. 2.

"The ultimate goal is to win a state championship," said veteran Hiland coach Dave Schlabach simply.  "That's the goal we always have.  The personnel might change, but the goal remains the same."

The Hawks went 26-2 overall last season as it defeated East Canton 59-54 to win it all at Value City Arena in Columbus.  Hiland was a spotless 16-0 in the IVC as the Hawks claimed their eleventh straight conference crown.

Six lettermen are back as the Hawks prepare for the 2006-07 season

Junior Jena Stutzman (5-foot-8 guard) and senior Lydia Miller (5-8 guard) comprise one of the best backcourts around.

Stutzman returns with a 16.9 scoring average and Miller was solid at 11 points and seven rebounds per game.

"That's going to be our strength," said Schlabach.  "Our guard position people are very skilled."

Senior Jen Stutzman (5-6 guard) is back for her final season after missing the majority of the 2005-2006 campaign with an injured back.  She played two minutes in the Hawks' win over the Wizards.

Junior Layla Miller (5-6 guard), junior Gabby Fowler (5-6 guard) and Karli Mast (5-6 guard) also lettered last season at Hiland.

Hiland lost only three players to graduation, but the Hawks still took a big hit.

Lindsay Stuckey, who scored 16 points a game a year ago, is now playing at St. Francis in Pennsylvania, while Rachel Thomas has moved on to Wheeling Jesuit and Krista Beechy is now at Grove City.

"We're going to miss them, but you go through the same thing every year," said Schlabach.  "We lost a lot of size and strength and right now rebounding and defense in the post is something we have to work on.  We have to have some new people step up."

Senior Heidi Mullet (5-9 post), junior Rebekah Thomas (6-0 post), junior Kristi Yoder (6-0 post), junior Megan Yoder (5-8 guard) and freshmen Hilary Weaver (5-6 guard) and Jessica Stutzman (5-8 guard and sister of Jen) are expected to contribute this season.

"Other than the guard positions, the other three starting spots are up for grabs," admitted Schlabach.  "We've got a lot of people battling for those spots and that competition will only make the team better."

As far as the IVC race goes, Schlabach looks at Garaway as a large threat to the Hawks' crown.

"Laura Bardall has gotten taller and stronger over the summer and I think she is one of the best players in the area." said Schlabach.  "And she's got a good supporting cast.  I really like Garaway."

In addition to its IVC slate, Hiland will face Division II state champion River View and West Holmes in non-conference action.

The Hawks will also host their annual Classic in the Country extravaganza over the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in January.  Hiland will play Wadsworth and Lakota West during the three-day outing.

The Hawks, who have posted four straight 16-0 seasons in the IVC, are on a 69-game winning streak in league play and haven't lost since Garaway won 63-40 back in 2002.

The Pirates come calling one week from tomorrow.

"That's going to be a big test right off the bat," said Schlabach.