RAPID CITY – It took a few extra possessions, but Hamlin finally found a way to solve Sioux Falls Christian.

In the third matchup of the season between the two Class A powerhouses, Hamlin got its first win over the previously undefeated Christian squad at the most opportune time – a 53-50 overtime victory in the championship game of the State A boys’ basketball tournament at Summit Arena.

The win marks Hamlin’s first state title in over four decades, its last coming in 1983 in Class B.

“To win it this year, it’s so hard,” said Hamlin coach Todd Neuendorf. “People don’t understand how hard it is. It’s hard to get there … it’s hard to win. It means a lot to our community. It’s something you can never take away. It’s part of history.“

Hamlin began the night on a bit of a tear, building what was once a 15-point lead in the second quarter.

But Sioux Falls Christian did not make the championship game for no reason. The top-seeded Chargers whittled away at the lead thanks to an extended scoring drought in the third quarter from Hamlin that allowed Christian to cut it to a 2-possession game heading into the fourth quarter.

Christian finally grabbed its first lead early in that fourth stanza, setting up a battle that extended well past the final buzzer of regulation.

“We tried to calm the kids down,” Neuendorf said of weathering Christian’s comeback. “We got down by five and we needed to get some stops. The kids dug in and got some stops. Offense was hard to come by for both teams because we know each other so well.”

Hamlin’s Tyson Stevenson hit a game-tying 3-pointer with 20 seconds remaining in regulation and both teams spent the balance of their remaining timeouts in those final 20 seconds trying to draw up a game-winning shot.

When those efforts failed, Hamlin again turned to the senior Stevenson in the overtime period. Stevenson scored five straight points for Hamlin, including a basket and 3-of-5 shooting at the free throw line.

“We climbed on Tyson Stevenson’s back and went with him down the stretch,” Neuendorf said. “We put him in the post. He’s not a post but we put him down there and ran everything through him.”

Stevenson finished with 16 points for Hamlin. Easton Neuendorf added 12 points, three rebounds and an assist. Evan Stormo had nine points and six rebounds, while Jackson Wadsworth and Zac VanMeeteren had seven points each.

Stevenson, Neuendorf and Storm were all named to the All-Tournament Team following the game.

Sioux Falls Christian was led by Griffen Goodbary’s 19 points and 10 rebounds. Brant Wassenaar finished with 13 points and Jude vanDonkersgoed had nine points and six boards.

With just two seniors between the two squads combined – both of whom are from Hamlin – Saturday’s tournament classic is not likely to be the last meeting between them.

“They’re really good. … I think there’s a chance going forward we could play again and it’ll be another tight game,” Coach Neuendorf said. “It could have gone either way tonight.”

HAMLIN (23-3): Easton Neuendorf 5 0-0 12, Evan Stormo 4 0-0 9, Jackson Wadsworth 2 2-4 7, Tyson Stevenson 6 3-5 16, Zac VanMeeteren 3 0-0 7, Dawson Noem 1 0-0 2. Totals 21-47 5-9 53.

SIOUX FALLS CHRISTIAN (25-1): Cole Snyder 2 1-2 6, Jude vanDonkersgoed 4 0-0 9, Griffen Goodbary 7 4-4 19, Brant Wassenaar 3 5-6 13, Carson Nickles 1 0-0 3. Totals 17-48 10-12 50.

Hamlin 14 27 38 47 53

Sioux Falls Christian 10 15 32 47 50

3-point field goals – Neuendorf (2), Stormo, Wadsworth, Stevenson, VanMeeteren; Snyder, vanDonkersgoed, Goodbary, Wassenaar (2), Nickles. Total fouls – Hamlin 14; Sioux Falls Christian 15. Rebounds – Hamlin 24 (VanMeeteren 8, Stormo 6); Sioux Falls Christian 30 (Goodbary 10). Assists – Hamlin 8 (Stevenson 4); Sioux Falls Christian 8 (Snyder 2, vanDonkersgoed 2, Goodbary 2, Wassenaar 2). Turnovers – Hamlin 9; Sioux Falls Christian 13. Blocks – Hamlin 3 (Stormo 2); Sioux Falls Christian 4 (Snyder 2, Wassenaar 2). Steals – Hamlin 7 (Neuendorf 4); Sioux Falls Christian 2 (Cooper Goodbary, G. Goodbary).