Hayfield Earns State Title

NSO – Mark Roberts

The basketball swished through the hoop. The cords rippled, much to the delight of the shooter.

Hayfield’s first state championship in program history was all touch. It didn’t matter who was putting up the shot.

The Vikings shot 59 percent from the floor, with all five starters sinking a three-pointer, en route to a 61-60 victory over Hancock to with the Class 1A championship Saturday at Target Center. They were the runner-up in 2001, their only previous appearance in the championship.

Hayfield’s Ethan Slaathaug goes up for a layup in the first half of the Class 1A championship Saturday afternoon. Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine
Target Center, Class 1A, Championship Hayfield vs. Hancock. April 10, 2021 Photo by Earl J. Ebensteiner, SportsEngine

Senior guard Ethan Slaathaug had 20 points to pace three Hayfield (21-4) players in double figures.

Hancock (19-6) was led by junior center Matt Thompson’s 18 points.