The Lady Cougars basketball team is on the prowl for a state championship title after finishing their regular season with a staggering 21-0 record.

The girls’ team was on the road Monday night, facing off against Blue Valley High and ultimately defeating their opponent 36-29. Monday’s game was the first round of the state championship.

“I was very excited and relieved because this was a really big game for us,” junior and post player Maggie Chapin said. “The two previous years we made it to state, but we lost in the first round to the same team both times. This was a huge deal for us to make it to the final four because it’s almost like we’ve been building up to it for the past three years.”

As a result of their win, the team will travel to Wichita on Friday to compete against Olathe West in their second round. Only four teams will be traveling to Wichita.

“In Wichita, I’m really looking forward to team bonding and the overall competitive atmosphere,” Chapin said. “We didn’t get to do any of our tournaments this year where we stay in places as a team, and I’ve really missed that aspect from our summer and winter tournaments. It’s also going to be great to play at Koch arena because more people can come and the noise and excitement of the stadium can’t be compared to anything else.”

Should they be victorious in the second round, the Lady Cougars will stay in Wichita to compete in the final state championship, where they will play another unnamed team. Head Coach Tyler Stewart is highly hopeful for a successful outcome over the weekend.

“Our girls have been working really hard all year to get to this point,” Stewart said. “This group has embodied how we want to play. They have played with exceptional effort and as a cohesive unit. You will see a team on Friday that is bonded together, playing as hard as they can with every player engaged. We are excited to continue our journey.”

Tickets to Friday’s and Saturday’s games in Wichita will be limited; tickets will be served on a first come, first serve basis. Priority will be given to parents and family, but additional spectators may also have the opportunity to purchase tickets.