The Pella Lady Dutch are hoping to draw on a recent string of state-bound athletes for experience as they get set for the school’s first state basketball tournament appearance since 2009 on Wednesday.

This season on the hardwood, sophomore Annika Pingel has shown off the speed that won her a state championship on the blue oval last spring as a member of the 4X400 relay team. Junior Katie Vander Molen has been a part the most recent soccer and volleyball appearances. Both tell KNIA/KRLS Sports the girls are sharing their different experiences to better prepare those who haven’t participated at state.

“I think that it’s great, that we’ve had all of that experience, so I think we don’t just look up to one person,” Pingel says.

“A lot of us have been in this situation, and for the girls that don’t, they can look to some of us for confidence,” Vander Molen says.

No. 7 seeded Pella will play No. 2 seed Lewis Central at 10 a.m. Wednesday, with pregame beginning at 9:40 on 92.1 KRLS.