But trips to Columbus never get old, and this year's group of five seniors, who have made three trips in their four seasons, know how special it is to play on the state's biggest hoops stage.

"This group of seniors have such a great relationship," said Gabby Fowler, who along with Jena Stutzman, Rebekah Thomas, Kristi Yoder and Layla Miller form a quintet of players who have grown up in the gym together.

"I think last year we kind of just... moshed together," added Fowler, as she searched for words to describe their relationship.

"Is that even a word?  We just became so tight.  There is nothing that any of us wouldn't do for the rest.  I have told these guys so many times how much I am going to miss them next year."

The victory over Bedford Chanel to advance to the state tournament was something to celebrate.  Yet for this Hiland team, while getting a chance to step into the limelight of the state tournament is very satisfying, just getting there isn't enough.

This group of seniors have grown up together, imagining this moment for the past six years.  As they took one more shot, ran one more lap, did one more push-up and knocked down one more free throw, they would often talk about winning the state tournament and going out on top.

Now the talk has grown mighty close to reality, with a meager two more steps to take to fulfill that dream.

"It means a lot to us," said Fowler.  "It's motivation.  We've all dreamed about this time since the seventh grade.  That dream helps us to keep each other accountable in what we do, and in how hard we work.

"This was great tonight.  It was fun.  But in two more games -- after two more wins -- we can really celebrate.  We have to recognize that we've put in a lot of hard work and time in preparation for this moment.  Just getting there isn't enough."

"It's something we've worked toward for a long time," said Stutzman.  "When you put this much time and energy into something with others, you really get close, and we've grown up playing this game together.  This is why we have worked so hard over the years."

Hiland coach Dave Schlabach said his goal each year is to have his seniors playing their final game at Columbus.  It's worked almost to perfection over the past half a decade.  Last year's loss to eventual state champion Africentric in the Regional final was devastating, and it has provided a fire for this group.

"It's exciting to be where we are together, because we've worked so hard to get here," said Yoder.  "This has been amazing.  This is what you dream about when you're in the gym shooting around, and running in practice, and we do feel like we have some unfinished business after not getting there last year."

Those who have been there before know the sacrifice which goes into a successful season.

"That's why the west side of Perry High School's gymnasium was packed full of former Hiland stars, who came home to watch their proteges earn their time in the spotlight.  Stars who have paid the price, and stepped on to the floor in Columbus to play in front of thousands, participating in the state's biggest games, on a stage where most players never get to play."

"It never gets old," said Schlabach.  "These kids have paid the price, and now they are reaping the rewards.  They're a great group of kids.  And these alumni, who have been here before them, understand what it takes, and what these kids have gone through to get to this point.  It's always going to be something special."

No matter what the outcome of their performance in Columbus, the bonds of friendship borne through hard work and dedication are something that will some day bring these girls back to watch, perhaps as the ball girls from this year's state team take their turn in the Big Show.

And they will look back at how they sacrificed, and how they grew to care about each other like family, and that -- not championships, made jumpers and final scores -- will be the lasting impression which has made such an indelible mark on all of these players.

As their mentors and heroes did before them, this weekend this crop of 2008 graduates and their underclassmen teammates, will -- win, lose or draw -- be offering the Hiland faithful their very best as a way of saying goodbye as their life together comes to a close.

They will do so as teammates, as friends and as family, having forged a bond that will outlast any titles.