THE LADY Tigers are on the prowl with the next stop marking the end of a challenging but quite rewarding journey. And so far, a perfect ride.

The Shadyside High girls’ basketball team is Final Found bound.

Coach Tina Yates’ battle-tested charges have successfully answered the challenge in all 26 of their starts this winter. As a result, the Orange & Black are firmly entrenched on the cusp of a coveted state championship.

The Lady Tigers will make their Division IV state tourney debut Thursday against Fort Loramie. The Lady Redskins will be a stiff test, compiling a 21-5 record against some formidable foes.

But once you make the OHSAA’S Final Four there are no longer any creampuffs. With that said, however, Shadyside has already vanquished two of the best teams in the state en route to Columbus, disposing of Hiland and Bishop Rosecrans in district warfare. That set the table for a walk in the regional tournament park.

We are certain the Lady Tigers will be up for the task at hand that Fort Loramie presents.

Shadyside has all the ingredients to take care of business. The Orange & Black boast talent, but that is only a small part of their perfection puzzle.

The Lady Tigers have the experience, poise, passion and camaraderie that all championship teams possess.

Moreover, the OVAC 2-A queenpins invested much time and effort over the course of a year to reach prep sports’ grandest stage. It is a special venue and one where the Lady Tigers truly deserve to be.

We salute Shadyside’s Lady Tigers on the most sparkling of campaigns. We also wish them the best in their quest to bring the brass ring back to Belmont County Saturday.