HASTINGS, Neb. – The identity and motto of this year’s Adams Central Patriot Girls team is clear –– 'One More.'

Lynsie Lancaster, Gracie Weichman, Irelyn Samuelson, Charlie Mucklow, and Megyn Scott are the five Patriot seniors who came up with the team motto with numerous meanings. 

"Whether it's one more pass, one more shot, or for us seniors, it's one more game, because you never know when your last could be." said Weichman. 

For these five seniors, most of them are making their 3rd trip to state. The team made it to the state semifinals in 2022, and last year they upset undefeated Bridgeport in the semifinals before eventually falling to North Bend Central in the championship game.

Megyn Scott is one of the seniors who is used to being the underdog in the state tournament, as the #7 Patriots will match up with the #2 Sidney Lady Raiders in the opening round on Thursday afternoon. 

"We've been the underdog plenty of times before, and we know what we have to do," said Scott. "I think being athletic, putting full-forth effort, and everything we do, it'll be the key contributors to our game."

Four of the five starters for Adams Central are seniors. They have the extra experience of growing together since freshmen to provide some familiarity for this tight-knit team.

"We've always had great chemistry, I remember our freshman year we went undefeated as a freshman group," said Lancaster. "The level of achievement has always been there, but the level of playing intensity has grown, and I think we've matched that with each other."

In video: "NOT IN FEENEY'S HOUSE!" - Assistant Coach Josh Lewis.

It's safe to say the girls, and coaches included, are a loose bunch and relaxed before Thursday's matchup with Sidney. 

Tip-off on Thursday is at 1:30pm at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln. You can listen to the game on KHAS Radio, or watch on NCN TV with coverage beginning at 1:15pm.