While Wagner players posed for photos after receiving the Region IV-5A championship trophy Saturday, guard Jordan Clarkson already had walked away.

The Thunderbirds' repeat regional title was nice, but there's something else on Clarkson's mind: topping last season's state-semifinal appearance.

“I feel like it was expected for us to get to state this year,” Clarkson said. “We're staying focused on the biggest goal that we've set, and there are two more games left.”

Wagner (38-1), the lone area team to reach the state tournament, will face Garland Lakeview Centennial (32-3) in the semifinals at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Erwin Center in Austin.

Clarkson, Wagner's leading scorer this season with 18.3 points per game, sprained his left ankle during Wagner's 50-43 regional finals victory against Judson. He said he'll be ready to play Friday.

The Thunderbirds had a much more grueling regional tournament than last season, when they beat McAllen by 19 in the semis and Southwest by 31 in the final. This season, Wagner fought through a 56-51 victory against Laredo United and Saturday's victory against Judson.

Leading rebounder and second-leading scorer Andre Roberson suffered a right foot injury on Saturday, but he said he'll also be ready on Friday.

“Last year, everybody wanted the state tournament to start right away,” Wagner coach Clifton Ellis said. “This year, everybody wanted to get to the training room.”

Last season, the Thunderbirds almost shocked Cedar Hill in a 61-58 state semifinals loss. Cedar Hill won it on a 3-pointer with two seconds left.

This time, Wagner won't be the surprise team.

The other three 5A teams in the field — Lakeview, Lewisville Marcus (37-2) and Fort Bend Bush (33-4) — are making their first trip to the state tournament.

“I think that experience is going to be our advantage,” Clarkson said. “We were pretty nervous at the beginning last year. This time, we'll be ready.

“And the last thing we want to do is relive how last season ended.”