A new era kicked off for Hiland at Reynoldsburg as it played in the Gary West Memorial Tip-Off Classic. It wasn’t just a new season starting, but for the first time since the spring of 1991, there was a new leader at the helm for the Hawks. Making his debut as the new head coach for Hiland was Jason Mishler, as he replaces the legendary Dave Schlabach.

The new era started a little rough against a Newark squad that is considered one of the elite teams in Div. I per the Ohio Girls Basketball Report. Leading the way for the Hawks was Ashley Mullet, who finished with a team-high 18 points.

Newark was the Div. I state runner-up last season.