BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Central McLean earned their first state tournament bid last season. This season, Senior Forward Adlyn Eng wants more.

“I think it would be super cool to do it, especially because if we were to go back to state for basketball this year, I know we’d be a little less nervous now that we’ve been there,” said Adlyn Eng, Central McLean senior forward.

As one of the top teams in the state, success is expected for the Cougars.

“The first two years, we were right there. And we talked about that a lot. Last year, we were tired of watching everybody else go, and our motto was last year we were breaking down the door and we’re going to the state tournament and we’re going there every year,” said Central McLean head coach Ethan Vaagene.

As for Adlyn, she has a decision to make: college basketball or college track.

“I love both sports, and both sports are super fun for me. And it’s just hard to pick one to do,” said Adlyn.

“I’m obviously a little biased towards basketball, but she is an outstanding track athlete too,” said Vaagene.

In the meantime, Adlyn accomplished a massive feat:

“It’s really awesome to do,” said Adlyn.

She scored her 1000th career point.

“It took a lot of years but it feels good to finally achieve that,” said Adlyn.

And her coach couldn’t be prouder.

“I actually started coaching these girls when they were first and second graders,” said Vaagene. “I’ve known Adlyn since she’s been a little kid. I’ve known her just as long as my own kids… I think of her like my kid, almost, because I’ve known her for that long.”

“To be able to watch her from that young to go get this accomplishment, I couldn’t be more happy for the girl,” said Vaagene.

“I think he might have even had a tear fall, coaching me for so long. It was pretty awesome to have him through all the years and be able to achieve that with him as my head coach,” said Adlyn.

Copyright 2025 KFYR. All rights reserved.