The Valley Falls boys basketball team advanced to the Class 2A State Tournament by defeating Mission Valley at Valley Heights on Friday night 57-56. 

With the game tied 56-56 late in the fourth quarter, Mission Valley would hold the possession and miss a shot with just a few seconds left. 

The Dragons would grab the miss and before they heaved a full court shot, Colin Kearney was fouled and would make the first free throw to get Valley Falls ahead by one point. 

Kearney would miss the second free throw on purpose but the ball failed to hit the rim. Mission Valley got one chance and their 3/4 court shot would hit off the win to give Valley Falls the thrilling victory. 

The Dragons started their season 6-1 before dropping a league contest to Maur Hill-Mount Academy. 

They would finish fifth place at their home mid-season tournament losing to Perry-Lecompton in the first round before back-to-back wins against Oskaloosa and Jefferson County North. 

After a loss to Horton on Feb. 3, the Dragons would rattle off 10 straight wins including their sub-state title win over Mission Valley. 

The Dragons at 19-4 will head to the Class 2A State Tournament next week in Manhattan which will be held March 12-15.