You couldn't have write a better script for the Axtell Eagles season as they capped it off in style in Class 1A-Division II by winning the state title as the seven seed downing the unbeaten number one seed, Fowler Goldbugs, 65-56. As Axtell won a tournament as a seven seed for the second time this season and went a perfect 12-0 in tournament action this season.

Axtell opened with an early run against Fowler but the Goldbugs finished the first quarter leading the game 18-14. Eagles answered with a 19-14 second period to lead the game 33-32 at the half and went on to outscored Fowler by eight points in the second half, four points each quarter to grab the win.

Senior, Aaron Schmelzle finished the night with a new season high of 26 points on the night going 11-21 from the floor, hitting double figures for the third time in the state tournament, as he scored double digits for Axtell in all but three games this season. Schmelzle was joined on the night by junior, Payton Heinen with over 20 points, as Heinen tallied 23 points on 6-7 from the floor and 11-14 at the free throw line, after posting 15 points in each the semifinals and first round.

With the win the Eagles finished the season 19-8 on the year and captured the Class 1A-Division II state title earning head coach, Lucus Dalinghaus the state title on his birthday, capping off a great birthday.

Some might say it was improbable what the Axtell Eagles did but after starting the season 3-0 winning the Falcons Classic, the Eagles went 2-5 over the next seven games headed into Twin Valley League as the seven seed they would win four games to win the league tournament, but then followed that up with a 1-4 stretch before closing out the regular season with three league wins headed into sub-state.

In sub-state Axtell avenged a loss to Frankfort last year in sub-state by beating them in the semifinals, then beating B&B in the sub-state title game to make state. At state Axtell took down the number two seed, Central Christian 63-58 in the opening round, then beat the three seed White City 56-29 in the semifinals to go on to beat the one seeded Fowler squad in the state championship.

Eagles in the state tournament for the first time since 1996, put the cherry on top of the birthday cake of head coach, Lucus Dalinghaus as he celebrated his birthday with a Class 1A-Division II state title earned for a first time in school history by this Axtell Eagle team of 2012-13.