Hadwiger's big day leads Amherst to first ever state crown

LINCOLN, NEB - For the first time in program history, the Amherst Broncos are state champions in boys basketball. 

The Broncos needed an extra four minutes, but they fend off Lincoln Lutheran 59-54 in overtime to pick up the win, after falling short in the finals last year.

"That feeling wasn't very fun," Amherst Head Coach Eric Rippen said. "That was kind of the driving force for the seniors. Battled adversity in round one with foul trouble, and tonight, but couldn't be more proud of these guys and I'm just happy for them."

The Broncos were led in scoring by Tayje Hadwiger who dropped a game high 32 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the win - but he scored those 32 in just 25 minutes of playing time. Due to two early fouls, Hadwiger sat for most of the first half, but came through late.

"I had it going on, kept it going, was not going to let us lose today," Hadwiger said. "Last game on a basketball court and I didn't want it to go out bad."

Lincoln Lutheran falls short of a state title in just their second ever appearance in the tournament, and their first since 2008. The Warriors were led in scoring by Ryan Hager with 22.