Highland is no stranger to the Idaho Center.

    Once again the Rams find themselves district champions and headed for what will prove to be a 5A state basketball tournament loaded with great teams.

    This time, however, they feel like it could be their year.

    “The urgency is there,” said Highland head coach Tony Green. “I think everybody recognizes that this is a good shot with the players that we have. But we’re still going to take it one day at a time.”

    Led by Kansas-bound senior guard/forwards Dylan and Dakota Gonzalez, the Rams bring an experience-laden squad to Nampa that has nothing but a state championship on the mind.

    “I think we’re older. We have some girls that have been in the program for a while,” Green said of the difference between this year’s team and his previous ones. “We’re more experienced on the court and we have some better shooters.”

    Highland (19-2) is ready to play.

    “They need to be on the court. We’re anxious and tired of this waiting thing,” Green said.

    The Rams drew the Meridian Warriors (18-5) in the opening round, a team that fought its way through a tough Third District to qualify for state.

    “They have a really great shooter, Holly Blades,” Green said. “She’ll shoot from anywhere. They have some good role players. They’re like us in that they’ll put five guards on the court, anybody who can handle the ball. They’ll change their defense quite a bit as well.

    “I really think we match up well with them. Their style will allow us to play how we want to.”

    Highland’s only two losses this season came on the road against Northern Idaho foes Coeur d’Alene (42-38) and Post Falls (57-44). Both teams are also in the state tournament field, and should the Rams get past Meridian, Post Falls could be their next opponent.

    “Anytime you go do something you’re unfamiliar with, there’s that uncertainty,” Green said of the trek up north. “Now that we’ve seen them, we know a little bit more about them. They’re two of the top programs in the state and I felt like we had chances against them on the road.

    “We bonded and came together. It was a good trip.”

    The Rams are hoping for a rematch, but are not looking past the Warriors.

    “I think we kind of want to see them again, if we take care of business and get past Meridian,” Green said.

    Highland and Meridian tip off from the Idaho Center in Nampa Thursday at 3 p.m.