The Hiland High girls had their drive toward a third straight Division IV state title derailed by Columbus Africentric in the regional championship last March, but the Hawks have their sights set on returning to Columbus in 2008.

Eight lettermen are back from last season's squad that went 21-5 overall and won the Inter-Valley Conference championship for a 12th consecutive season.

Veteran Hiland coach Dave Schlabach said the Hawks' ultimate goal is to win another state championship.

"I think we're much more committed than a year ago," said Schlabach, who is in his 17th season at the Hiland helm.  "we didn't have that commitment level that allows you to overachieve some years.  I feel like we're closer to that this year than we were a year ago."

Schlabach said losing to Africentric in the regional finals could be a blessing in disguise.

"There wasn't a kid in our locker room who had ever lost a tournament game," noted Schlabach.  "A lot of times you have to remember what it feels like (losing).  It doesn't automatically happen (winning a state title).

"Not getting there keeps you hungry," added Schlabach.  "Having five seniors on the roster in their last go around should be motivation."

Senior guard Jena Stutzman returns for her final season after scoring 18 points per game as a junior a year ago.

The 5-foot-8 sharpshooter will be playing college basketball at Kent State University.

"She understands that for us to win she has to do what some of the great players of the past have done," said Schlabach.  "She has to make everyone around her better and get them to play at a higher level."

Joining Stutzman as returning lettermen are senior Layla Miller (5-6, guard), senior Gabrielle Fowler (5-6, guard), senior Kristi Yoder (6-1, guard/forward), senior Rebekah Thomas (6-0, forward) junior Karli Mast (5-7, guard), sophomore Hilary Weaver (5-6, guard) and sophomore Katelyn Stuckey (5-11, guard/forward).

Lydia Miller, Jen Stutzman and Heidi Mullet graduated from last season's squad.

Those expected to contribute include sophomore Mykeila Mast (5-7, guard) and junior Jennifer Raber (5-6, guard).

The Hawks will be without sophomore Jessica Stutzman, who is sidelined for the season with an injury.

"Our depth continues to be a strength," noted Schlabach. "All of our kids could have a big night on any given night."

The Hawks will play host to the Classic in the Country in January and will take on Columbus Brookhaven and Division II runner-up Hathaway Brown as part of a demanding non-conference schedule.

The Hawks, who went 16-0 in the league last season, have won 85 consecutive IVC games and have claimed 14 of the last 15 titles.

Hiland will look to extend that streak when it travels to Garaway next Saturday night followed by a trip to Sandy Valley on Nov. 29.