In the first winning season since 1996 the Axtell Eagles kept winning this time at the Class 1A-Division II state tournament. Coming in as the number seven seed that didn't stop the Eagles from believing they could win as they faced a tough two seeded, Central Christian Cougars squad.

Central Christian opened the game with the initial bucket of the contest, but Axtell quickly responded in a big way with three-pointers, great performances and some good defense, to grab the upset 63-58 victory. The Eagles ended the first quarter up by 10-points, leading it 21-11, then extended the lead with an 11-7 second quarter to lead it 32-18 at the half.

The Cougars would outscore the Eagles in the second half 40-31, but it was clutch free throws and plays by the Axtell Eagles to hold off Central Christian's run in the second half of the action.

Eagles finished the night hitting seven three-pointers for the second straight game and had three players in double figures, lead by senior, Aaron Schmelzle who poured in 24 points, including 11 of which came in the first quarter. Junior's, Christian Buessing and Payton Heinen both added double figures also, as Buessing tallied 11 points, with three big three-pointers in the game and Heinen chipped in 15 points, with 10 coming in the fourth and final frame. Heinen also grabbed 11 rebounds to finish the night with his tenth double-double of the season. Senior, Taylor Platt also provided a spark with two early three-pointers in the game and seven total points.

Central Christian did finish the game with four players in double figures but had two players foul out late and couldn't fight back past Axtell.

With the win the Eagles improved to 17-8 on the season and continue their year assuring two more games for themselves this season. Taking down the two seed the Axtell Eagles now face the number three seed the White City Huskies who beat Dighton 48-39. Eagles will play at 8:15 pm tomorrow night and you can hear the game on 92.1 KMZA.