The Axtell Eagle boys rolled past the Central Christian Cougars once again in the state quarterfinals, improving on last year’s 66–44 win with a 68–44 victory this season.

Central Christian came out swinging, jumping to an early 12–5 lead behind a pair of three-pointers from Pierecen Huff and Hunter Franz. Axtell eventually settled in, getting a strong first-quarter performance from Logan Sandmann, who finished the period with nine points, a block, and two rebounds. The Eagles closed the quarter on a run and took a 17–16 lead after a three-pointer to end the first.

Axtell pushed its lead to 32–28 by halftime, knocking down four threes in the second quarter. Wyatt Detweiler played a key role in the run, connecting on three triples in the period and finishing the half with four. As a team, Axtell went 6-for-12 from beyond the arc in the first half and carried that hot shooting into the second half. Colin Shaughnessy also picked up his first points late in the quarter with a three-pointer and a free throw.

The Eagles broke the game open in the third quarter, scoring 18 points while holding the Cougars to just seven. Detweiler continued his strong performance with eight points in the quarter, including another three-pointer.

Joe Lybarger added to the outside shooting as well, knocking down his only two three-pointers of the game in the fourth quarter.

Axtell cruised through the final period and secured the Class 1A Division II boys state quarterfinal win, defeating Central Christian 68–44.
 

Team Stats

Central Christian: 16-41 FG, 4-22 3PT, 8-11 FT, 17 REB, 10 STEALS

Axtell: 27-50 FG, 10-22 3PT, 4-11 FT, 34 REB, 12 STEALS

Axtell Personal (All but scoring are Unofficial) 

Landon Schmitz: 7pts, 1 3PT, 3 REB
Joe Lybarger: 9pts, 2 3PTs, 2 REB, 2 AST
Wyatt Detweiler: 22pts, 5 3PTs, 3 REB, 1 STL (Player of the Game)
Colin Shaugnessy: 6pts, 1 3PT, 9 REB, 5 STLS, 2 AST
Logan Sandmann: 15pts, 9 REB, 2 STLS, 1 BLOCK
Lucas Talbot: 5pts, 1 3PT, 1 REB
Bill Lybarger: 2pts, 1 REB, 1 STL
Clayton Heinen: 2pts, 3 STLS

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