It’s been more than 40 years since a WCHS Lady Pioneer basketball team has won the district tournament.

The Lady Pioneers have the chance to end that drought Friday night at Shelbyville High School when they play for the district title against Coffee County. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Beating the Lady Raiders won’t be an easy task. Coffee County has won 23 straight and hasn’t lost in district play.

The Lady Raiders (25-3) have beaten Warren County three times, although the Lady Pioneers came painfully close in the most recent meeting Feb. 4, a 48-45 loss in McMinnville.

WCHS coach Anthony Lippe realizes his team is going to need to be at its best to win.

“They are the No. 4 team in the state and any time you play a team of that caliber you are going to have to play well to win,” said coach Lippe. “That means we're going to have to have a big night. We must protect the basketball. We’re going to have to make our free throws. We’re going to have to hit our shots. It’s pretty simple. I told the girls we’re going to have to play well when we face teams at this level.”

The Warren County girls last played for a district championship in 2011 and they last won a district title during the 1978-79 season, according to school records.

To get in this position, Warren County (23-6) has enjoyed spectacular play. Shelby Smartt has been hot the second half of the season and is always a threat to score in double digits. Kyra Perkins has also been a reliable scorer and she’s a fierce competitor when it comes to fighting for rebounds.

By virtue of playing in the district championship, the Lady Pioneers are guaranteed a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in next week’s region tournament. That means they will play at least one game at home.