It’s been more than 20 years since a Goldthwaite girls basketball team last played in a state tournament. 

The Lady Eagles’ opponent for Friday morning’s Class 2A state semifinal, fourth-ranked Martin’s Mill, has closed 17 of the past 19 seasons at state, including each of the last four.

Considered an underdog by many, GHS will be at significant disadvantage to the Lady Mustangs (34-5) where state tournament experience is concerned, a fact coach Angie Hermesmeyer readily acknowledges. But the longtime Goldthwaite mentor feels her team matches up favorably in several other key areas.

To show that, though, the No. 8 Lady Eagles (34-3) will first need to prove they can handle the pomp and circumstance of the state tournament environment, something Hermesmeyer feels could be as big a challenge as the formidable Martin’s Mill squad itself.