SANTEE, Neb. -- A heartbreaking double overtime loss against Stuart created stress for Santee fans last Thursday night, as the Warrior faithful waited to see whether their squad would advance to a district final as one of four Class D2 wild card teams.

The news came a day later, when Santee learned they would match up against Mullen, in a neutral site game in Ord, Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m.

With a win, Santee would reach the state tournament for the first time in their history.

Sophomore Kellen Medina said the Stuart loss is already behind the group, and all the focus is on Tuesday night.

“It’s been like a rollercoaster,” he said. “We just gotta get there now, we’re hungry.”

Head Coach Waylon LaPlante said the key to winning this game will be leaning on what Santee has excelled in all season.

“We’re not gonna change anything,” he said. “We’re a fast paced high scoring team.”

A win would be extra special for LaPlante, who grew up in the Santee community and was a part of the basketball program himself in high school.

“It's huge for me watching these kids grow up,” he said. “These guys excel, not only on the basketball court, but in the school and our community.”

The road to Lincoln now goes through Ord, and the Warriors are 32 minutes away from potentially bringing their high octane, quick brand of basketball to the capital city.

“We’re coming,” Medina said.