Axtell boys' basketball celebrates 1A DII state championship

AXTELL (KSNT) - The 1A DII boys' state championship trophy belongs to the Axtell Eagles for the first time since 2013.

The Eagles knocked off undefeated defending champion Cunningham 57-39 on Saturday to earn the rights to the title. After falling in the state semifinals in each of the last two seasons, getting to the other side was beyond satisfying for this group.

"Cunningham, they had two really good players, their whole team, they were a solid team," senior Eli Broxterman said. "Coming out after the start we had against them, it felt amazing."

"Great to finally get first, hold up the big trophy at the end," junior Colin Shaughnessy said.

"When we were done, the locker room was such a great atmosphere," sophomore Logan Sandmann said. "I don't think I fell asleep up 5 o'clock that night."

This year's championship team includes several members who also play football and compete in track and field for Axtell. Since 2021, the Eagles have brought home four state football titles, two track and field titles and now one basketball title. Seniors Brandon Schmelzle and Eli Broxterman have played a part in all of them.

"A credit to the community and their parent support and what they've been doing since they were in second, third and fourth grade because it just didn't happen overnight," head boys' basketball coach Jayson Tynon said. "The hard work and dedication they have to put in years prior, they did."

Though Axtell basketball will graduate two 1,000 point scorers in Schmelzle and Broxterman this season, Tynon says he has a solid up-and-coming core that's ready to take on bigger roles next season.

Coach Tynon added that everyone - his starters, non-starters, underclassmen, assistant coaches and the Axtell community - contributed to the 2025 state championship victory, and he was just happy to be along for the ride.