Photo by Chris Drummond Members of the Russell-Tyler-Ruthton boys basketball team celebrate after defeating Central Minnesota Christian School in the Section 3A Championship on Thursday.

MARSHALL — After taking out No. 5S Westbrook-Walnut Grove in the Section 3A semifinals on Saturday, the No. 2S Russell-Tyler-Ruthton boys basketball team looked to keep the momentum going in the championship game on Thursday against No. 1N Central Minnesota Christian. The two teams would need overtime to settle things, but RTR was able to hold on and earn a 62-59 victory and advance to the Class A tournament.

The Knights started off the game as they did on Saturday by scoring the first seven points and forcing the Bluejays to call timeout. However, the Bluejays would respond with a 19-5 run taking over the first half with crisp execution of motion offense followed by lethal shooting. The Bluejays would take a six-point lead into halftime and both crowds were into the game from the start.

In the second half, it would be the Knights who responded on a 20-10 run, pounding the ball inside and using their size advantage on the Bluejays to gain a slim lead and force a timeout. Then it became a heavyweight fight with both teams hitting the floor for loose balls, timely shot-making on both sides and the wills being exhibited from both teams to win the game. In the final minute of regulation, Knights guard Aiden Wichmann made a nice bounce pass to Drew Werkman for the go-ahead layup. The Bluejays had one final chance and off of a deflected pass, they were able to score and tie up the game with less than a second left, forcing overtime.

After facing multiple deficits throughout the game, the Knights were able to seize control in overtime behind the clutch free throw shooting of Aiden and Cody Wichmann along with Darrick Baartman. The Knights had a three-point lead in the last half-minute of overtime and had two fouls to give and used both of them. With 5.7 seconds left, and neither team with a timeout, the Bluejays inbounded the ball and put up a good look from three to tie but it fell off the rim as the Knights got the victory.

RTR head coach Daren Gravley spoke highly on their opponent and assessed the game through his eyes.

“Everybody should tip their hat to this Central team, they’re a great team with a great coaching staff,” Gravley said. “This is what competition is all about, very proud of our team. We kept our composure, we were able to grab enough rebounds and make enough free throws to win.”

Gravley followed up by stating two words on heading to state.

“Pretty amazing,” he said.

Aiden Wichmann, who led the team in scoring with 16 points, spoke about how crucial the inside play was from Dylan Anderson and Werkman in being victorious.

“Our bigs did a heck of a job going to work in the post, credit to them,” Wichmann said.

Wichmann also elaborated on heading to the state tournament.

“We think we have been slept on all year,” Wichmann said. ” Going to state is huge for us.”

The Knights will be playing their first game next Wednesday at the Williams Arena with the opponent and time both to be determined.

RTR 62, CMCS 59 (OT)

RTR 22 31 9 – 62

CMCS 28 25 6 – 59

Scoring: RTR (A.Wichmann 16; Anderson 12; Werkman 12; Christianson 8; Baartman 8; C.Wichmann 4; Lamote 2).

Rebounds: RTR 38 (Drew Werkman 12, Anderson 11).

Steals: RTR 5 (Haroldson 2).

Assists: RTR 12 (Haroldson 5).