The Hanover Wildcats secured their first state championship since 2021 with a 66–60 victory over the Axtell Eagles in a highly anticipated third meeting between the two programs. With the win, Hanover claimed its eighth state title in program history.

The Axtell Eagles dominated the opening quarter, leading 21–10 heading into the second frame. Axtell knocked down three straight three-pointers during the period, with Landon Schmitz, Clayton Heien, and Colin Shaunessy each connecting from deep. Shaunessy finished the first quarter with seven points for Axtell, while Logan Sandmann added six.

Hanover responded with a strong second quarter, outscoring Axtell 17–8 as the Eagles began to run into foul trouble. The Wildcats took advantage at the free-throw line, going 5-of-6 from the stripe in the period. After shooting just 3-of-13 from the field in the first quarter, Hanover settled in offensively and shot 5-of-11 (45%) in the second. Despite the Wildcats’ surge, Axtell held a narrow 29–27 lead at halftime.

Both teams matched each other in the third quarter with 17 points apiece, sending the game into the final period with Axtell leading 46–44. Hanover continued to find offensive rhythm, shooting 7-of-18 in the quarter, while Axtell finished 4-of-13.

The fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle until the final three minutes, when Hanover grabbed the lead and controlled possession at 58–57. The Wildcats held the ball for nearly two minutes before Jack Bruna went to the free-throw line with 55 seconds remaining. Bruna made the first attempt and missed the second, but Braylon Mein secured a crucial offensive rebound to keep possession for Hanover.

Hanover closed out the game at the free-throw line, despite Axtell cutting the deficit to 62–60 with a deep three-pointer from Wyatt Detweiler. The Wildcats ultimately sealed the victory, 66–60.

Axtell was led by Logan Sandmann, who finished with 22 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists while shooting 8-of-15 from the field and 6-of-11 from the free-throw line. Sandmann, a junior, will return next season alongside a strong junior class that will look to make another run at the state title.

Hanover was led by Cooper Bruna, who scored 22 points on 8-of-17 shooting.

Hanover finished the season 28–1 and captured state championships in both football and basketball in Class 1A Division II. Axtell concluded its season at 27–2 with a runner-up finish.

Team Stats

Hanover:  21-54 FG, 5-18 3PT, 19-29 FT, 34 REB, 4 STEALS, 8 TOs,

Axtell: 21-52 FG, 7-22 3PT, 11-19 FT, 40 REB, 3 STEALS, 11 TOs, 16 assists

Axtell Personal Official Stats

Landon Schmitz: 12pts,  1 AST, 3 REB, 1 STL, 2-2 FT
Joe Lybarger: 4 AST
Wyatt Detweiler: 8pts, 2 3PTs, 8 REB, 3 AST,
Colin Shaugnessy: 12pts, 1 3PT, 9 REB, 2 STLS, 3-4 FT
Logan Sandmann: 22pts, 16 REB, 5 AST, 6-11 FT 
Clayton Heinen: 6pts, 2-2 3PT, 1 REB

This state tournament coverage was in partnership with Giant Mobile, presenting the Giant Communications and JBN Telephone Company Road to Glory!