BERLIN, OH -- Hilary Weaver and Noelle Yoder have the striking looks that resemble those seen on the cover of model magazines such as Vogue or Elle.

But they're not just a couple of pretty faces.

Weaver and Yoder are two of most competitive players who have ever laced up a pair of shoes for Hiland High girls' basketball, and they prove it every time they step on the hardwood.

The backcourt duo and their Hiland teammates will face Minster in the Division IV state semifinals in Columbus on Friday at 1 p.m.

The Hawks (24-2) will be playing in the Final Four for the 11th time in school history and will be bidding for their fifth state championship.

Hiland was one half away from winning that fifth title a season ago, but Columbus Africentric rallied for improbable victory over the Hawks.

"The bitter taste ... the bitter feeling ... it never went away," said Weaver, a daughter of Vic and Tammy Weaver. "It's really motivated us and I think we'll be more prepared this year. We wanted to put ourselves back in Columbus so we could finish what we started."

Yoder, who transferred to Hiland from West Holmes after her sophomore season, said the preparation to this season was fueled from that loss.

"It left a bitter taste in our mouths," said Yoder. "We use it as motivation. We don't want to feel that feeling again."

Weaver, a 5-foot-7 point guard, averages 14.8 points per game and is Hiland’s all-time leading assists leader (594), recently surpassing Launa Hochstetler.

Yoder, a 5-7 shooting guard, leads the team with a 17.8 scoring average and grabs 4.1 rebounds per outing. She shoots 39 percent from the floor and 85 percent from the line.

Hiland coach Dave Schlabach said the Hawks' duo play with a "sixth sense."

"They have played together so long they know where each other is going to be," said Schlabach. "They motivate each other. It's been a neat thing watching those two."

Yoder, a daughter of Bud Yoder and Kelly Scott, said she and Weaver are like sisters.

"There's just something about me and Hil," said Yoder. "We know what each other is going to do. We're best friends and we push each other."

Weaver, who is a two-time Division IV Player of the Year, said she loves to have the ball in her hands as the Hawks' floor general. She leads the team in steals with 104 and is an 80-percent free-throw shooter.

She has dished out 195 assists this season, including a school-record tying 21 in a game against Tuscarawas Central Catholic.

"It seemed like everything went in," recalled Weaver. "I got them the ball, but when it comes down to it they knocked down the shots."

Most of those assists went to her backcourt mate, who fired in 22 points.

"With someone as good as Noelle, it's easy to be confident in her," said Weaver. "She's constantly looking to make plays. It's easy to find her when she's cutting and getting herself open."

Both Weaver and Yoder will be leaving a storied high school program for top-notch college teams.

Weaver will take her talents to Lehigh University and Yoder will be playing for Bowling Green University. Both schools will be playing in the upcoming NCAA Division I Tournament.

Weaver is excited about her future.

"I plan on working as hard as I can to get out on the floor," she said. "I don't want to be a practice player. I want to contribute."

Yoder is equally excited about going to BG.

"My goal my freshman year is to get minutes and play," said Yoder. "I'm going to do everything possible to play."

But before Weaver and Yoder head off to college, they feel they have some unfinished business.
And taking care of that business begins Friday afternoon.