The Adel-DeSoto-Minburn Boys Basketball Team participated in the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 3A State Championship game at the Casey’s Center in Des Moines on Friday against Ballard, losing 43-39 in overtime, finishing as the runner-up.

The defense was on display for the Tigers and Bombers, with Ballard leading 9-8 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Bombers outscored ADM 13-7 to take a 22-15 advantage into halftime. However, the Tigers battled back in the third quarter and would have a 29-26 lead heading into the final frame. 

The fourth quarter was a joy ride, especially in the final minute seeing ADM lead 33-31. Ballard junior Parker Miller hit a game-tying layup with 45 seconds remaining, and the score notched at 33-33. On the other end, Tiger senior Trey Bryte drove down the lane, but was blocked at the rim, and the Bombers got it with 15 seconds and a chance to win. However, Ballard junior Evan Abbott threw a pass, which was intercepted by ADM junior Eli Wiebers, who advanced it to senior Hudson Lorensen, as he converted on a running-layup to give the Tigers a 35-33 lead with 6.1 seconds left.

On the ensuing possession, Bomber senior Jude Gibson was fouled by ADM senior Hudson Shull, with 0.2 seconds on the clock. Gibson stepped to the line to knock down two clutch free throws to tie the game, which headed into overtime. The foul from Shull was his fourth, and forced him to sit the entire overtime period.

The teams would trade baskets in overtime, with Bryte hitting a late layup with under 10 seconds left, as the Tigers trailed 41-39. ADM Head Coach Trevor Mickelson was signaling for a timeout, but the referee didn’t see it until there were 2.8 seconds remaining. Mickelson was issued a technical, with Gibson went to the line, but missed two free throws. Gibson was fouled on the inbounds afterwards, then hit the game-sealing free throws to make it 43-39 to secure the victory.

Ballard was named the Class 3A Champions, and ADM finished as the runner-up. Bombers’ Miller led the way with 17 points, then it was Gibson’s 10. The Tigers were charged by Bryte with 14, and then Lorensen poured in 11 points. Ballard concludes the year with a 25-1 record, and ADM finishes at 24-3.