Asked to describe his star shooting guard Noelle Yoder, Hiland coach Dave Schlabach simply said.  "She's a competitor."

After missing 12-days with a left MCL sprain, Yoder returned to scored 27 points with four rebounds last Thursday in a 60-56 loss to reigning Division III state champion Regina.

"There are very few kids that can do what she did," Schlabach said.  "Not only not playing in a game, but not practicing either.  The game looked like it had slowed down for her.  She always took the right shot at the right time.  It was a very impressive performance.

"It just shows her competitiveness at her skill level."

The Bowling Green signee missed games against Tuscarawas Central Catholic, Strasburg and Conotton Valley only to return with a monster 27-point outing versus the Royals.

"Once the Classic was over, we made the decision that it was best for her and Jess (Stutzman) to not play until Regina," Schlabach said.  "I think it gave them something to gear-up for.  Those seniors enjoy playing in those competitive, big games.  It didn't surprise me, but that was impressive what she did."

On the season, Yoder is averaging 19.2 ppg with 3.2 rpg and 2.0 spg for Hiland (15-2, 13-0 IVC), the third-ranked team in Division IV in the latest Associated Press girls' basketball poll.

Against Regina, the 5-foot-7 Yoder was 9 of 13 shooting, including 4 of 7 from 3-point range.  She had 11 points in the first quarter, helping Hiland jump out to a 21-18 lead and 17 at halftime.

"She saw this as a great challenge," Schlabach said of the Regina contest.  "A lot of kids would rather play in a blow-out game because it's comfortable to them.  But your extreme competitors, they see these games as an opportunity to challenge themselves and see what they're made of."

Schlabach said Yoder does a great job of creating offensive opportunities.

"When the 3 was there, she took it.  When the floater and the mid-range jumper was there, she took those," Schlabach said.  "She's making a lot of really good decision out there."