The ultimate goal for the Hiland High girls' basketball program never changes.

It is to win a state championship.

The Hawks are just two wins away from that goal after they recorded a 43-22 victory over Cuyahoga Heights to claim the Division IV regional championship at Perry High on Saturday night.

Hiland, ranked No. 2 in the final state poll, improved to 24-2 on the season and will play Minster in the state semifinals at Value City Arena in Columbus on Friday at 1 p.m.

It is Hiland's ninth regional championship and third straight. The Hawks will be playing in the state tournament for the sixth time in the past seven seasons.

"One of my biggest goals as a coach is to have our seniors play their last game in Columbus and that's going to happen," said Hiland coach Dave Schlabach after the workman-like win. "No matter what happens there, they're going to play in Columbus."

Senior Katelyn Stuckey was Hiland's main offensive weapon as she powered in 14 points and was a force inside.

"We felt we had an advantage in there," said Schlabach of the inside play. "Kate had a lot of success and Hannah Stoneman also did a great job."

Senior Hilary Weaver scored seven points and added to her all-time assist record at Hiland in the win. She surpassed Laura Hochstetler's mark in the Hawks' regional semifinal win over Lutheran East on Thursday night.

Senior Noelle Yoder added seven points for the winners.

Hiland jumped out to a 14-2 lead at the end of the first quarter as the Hawks pounded the ball low and Stuckey responded with three baskets.

The Hawks had trouble in the early part of the second quarter as they turned the ball over on four straight possessions and Cuyahoga Heights cut the Hiland lead 16-8. But the Hawks built their advantage back to 22-10 before taking a 22-12 lead at the intermission.

Hiland started the third quarter like it did the first as the Hawks pounded the ball in the paint to Stuckey. She came up with three baskets and a pair of free throws for eight of the team's 15 points and the Hawks led 37-20 going to the final frame.

The Hawks were 6 of 8 from the floor in the period as Stuckey was a perfect 3 for 3.

Hiland pushed its lead to 40-20 after a Yoder triple and outscored the Redskins 6-2 over the final eight minutes as the Hawks worked the clock down and Cuyahoga Heights appeared to play out the clock as well.

"It was a challenge," admitted Schlabach of facing the Redskins after last Thursday's big overtime win against Cleveland Lutheran East. "We were tired. It took a lot out of us. I thought that affected our offensive execution."