Only instead of a recording studio, Schlabach's Lady Hawks have been making music on the hardwood for the past two decades.

And while Elvis remained No. 1 on the charts for an amazing 80 straight weeks, that pales in comparison to Hiland's dominance in the IVC, having been No. 1 for the past 12 years.

During that time, Schlabach and his teams have carved out an impressive 353-54 record, including a trio of state championships and eight state tournament appearances.

The 2007-08 season promises to be more of the same, as the Lady Hawks will seek to crank out another platinum season on their way to an effort they hope will end in Columbus once again.

While the Lady Hawks will certainly miss the leadership of Lydia Miller, they return a core of ultra-talented players who have dedicated themselves even more than last year after falling one game short of the state tournament.

"This is a much more committed group than we had last year," said Schlabach.  "Last year we just didn't have that ultimate commitment level that allows you to overachieve.  This year, the kids have made a real commitment and shown that they want to be here and compete."

Despite all of the talent from top to bottom on this year's team, it all begins and ends with starting guard Jena Stutzman, who will continue her onslaught on the Hiland record books in her senior season.

While Stutzman can fill it up from beyond the arc or creating her shot off the dribble, it is her ability to exhibit the little things which Schlabach sees as key.

"Jena understands that in order for us to achieve our goals, she has to make everyone else around her better," said Schlabach.

"She has to be our leader, and get everyone else playing at a higher level."

While Stutzman's talents are a given, Schlabach will not be wondering about a pair of key situations which were unsolved mysteries going into last season.

Last season the point guard spot and post play in general were huge unknowns for Schlabach.

Not so this season.

Returning to the Lady Hawks are sophomore point guard Hilary Weaver and senior center Kristi Yoder.

Weaver has taken the weight of the floor general spot to heart, and provides a young but solid veteran at the point.

Yoder proved last season that she would be more than capable of becoming the next Hiland workhorse in the paint, continuing a long line of successful bigs down low.

Yoder will join senior Rebekah Thomas and sophomore Katelyn Stuckey to form the three-pronged attack on the post.

"I'm very encouraged by our three-headed monster in the post," said Schlabach.  "This is as physical a group as we've had here for a lot of years, and they all bring something different to the floor.

"This year we are going to make a real effort to get the ball inside."

As for Weaver, the fiery competitor, exhibited everything Schlabach wants to see in his floor general last season, and he is looking for great things from her this season.

"Hilary is still learning, but she is such a great competitor," said Schlabach.  "Now she's a year older and more experienced."

Schlabach said that the guards will go six deep for the Lady Hawks, and two of those are key in returning letterwinners Layla Miller and Karli Mast.

Out of all of his players, Schlabach said that Mast has worked harder than anyone on the team, and is primed for a tremendous season.

"Karli has had a great summer," said Schlabach of his junior sharpshooter.  "She and Mykeila Mast have probably worked harder than anyone on the team.  They've both made great strides."

Mast will offer a great balance of speed and strength at the guard spot, and senior Gabby Fowler will also provide much-needed depth for a team which will feature plenty of pressure defense and running, and show teams multiple personnel on the floor.

Schlabach said that the regional final loss to Africentric last season after three successive state tournament appearances has left his squad focused on a return to the state capital.

"The girls remembered what failure feels like, and it adds a little incentive and provides an extra bit of effort."