LINCOLN — Payton Hulse had never heard of Cave City until recently.

Now he can’t wait to get to the home of the Cavemen, who are hosting the Class 4A State Tournament this week. Lincoln begins play at 8:30 p.m. today against Pocahontas.

“I did not even know (Cave City) existed,” said Hulse, a junior point guard for the Wolves. “It’ll be quite the journey.”

Lincoln qualified for the state tournament with a 54-49 victory over Subiaco Academy in the Class 4A North Regional at Maumelle. Hulse was a big factor in the game with 15 points, including a three-point play in the fourth quarter after the Trojans got to within 48-46.

Hulse’s basket was the only one in the final eight minutes for Lincoln, which made 10 of 14 free throws in the fourth quarter.

“They got to within two points on us and Payton made a basket after a hard drive and the free throw,” Lincoln coach Tim Rich said. “It was a very big play because it got the lead back to five points for us and we were able to hit some free throws down the stretch.”

Hulse played a wing position last year before moving to point guard after Sergio Morales graduated.

“Payton has stepped up and taken over that position,” Rich said. “It’s been a lot of pressure on him, but he’s done a real fine job of handling the ball and getting to the basket.”

Hulse gradually became accustomed to playing at his new position, but it was a slow process. He averages 10 points and 4 rebounds entering tonight’s game with Pocahontas.

“It took me a good half the season to get comfortable at point guard because I wasn’t used to it,” Hulse said. “There’s a lot more responsibility and the speed you have to go at at point guard is a lot different.”

Hulse has now settled in at point guard, which allows a versatile player like Ossy Oscareno even more freedom on the court. Oscareno plays both inside and out while leading the Wolves with a 12 points per game average.

“Payton gets everybody involved and that’s what we need,” said Oscareno, who had 17 points in the win over Subiaco Academy. “He’s gotten a lot better since the beginning of the year.”

Lincoln (14-16) has a quick turnaround after returning home late from Monday’s 51-50 loss to Booneville in the regional tournament in Maumelle. But the Wolves are eager to get back on the bus again for the 4 1/2-hour trip to Cave City, which is located near Batesville.

“If that’s where the state tournament’s at, then we’re ready to go,” Hulse said. “You’ve got to be prepared and excited to go no matter where it is.”