ARLINGTON — The Arlington girls basketball team captains are headed into familiar territory as they enter the 3A regional state playoffs Feb. 28 against Shadle Park at Mount Spokane High School at 2 p.m.

Arlington has been to regionals three years in a row, winnings state in 2013, and for the captains, it’s “the norm.”

“It’s more about keeping their mind on the prize,” Arlington coach Joe Marsh said.

The trio brings leadership to the court, but each also has a unique strength.

Arlington’s only senior captain, Jessica Ludwig, brings experience to the floor.

“Jess has been solid for us her whole career,” Marsh said. “She’s started since she was a sophomore so she has a ton of experience.”

Ludwig sees her role as making sure everyone gets the ball and “utilizing everyone’s strengths.”

Arlington junior point guard Emma Janousek uses her smarts and ball distribution to ensure scoring from different players.

“I’ve been here for the past two years and have experienced the regional atmosphere,” Janousek said.

“She’s just a super smart player,” Marsh said. “Point guards really have to be a coach on the floor so I wanted her at that leadership position, too.”

Junior forward Jayla Russ is the team’s “vocal leader,” whose job is to keep the team’s energy up.

“When we don’t have a lot of fans, we try to keep the energy up on the bench,” Russ said.

“Jayla needed to be a captain this year,” Marsh said. “I think it’s good for her to have that responsibility.”

The captains have voiced their confidence in each other and feel ready.

“It’d be weird if we weren’t here,” Russ said.