Axtell Downs Fowler To Win State Title

Axtell turned in a strong second half to power past Fowler 65-56 Saturday for the Kansas Class 1A-Division II boys’ championship in Hays.

Fowler (25-1) was the top seed in the tournament and trailed by one at halftime but couldn’t keep pace in the second half.

Axtell was the No. 7 seed and was led by 26 points from Aaron Schmelzle and 23 from Payton Heinen, who also had nine rebounds. Axtell hit 19 of 29 free throws.

Fowler was led by Joel Milford’s 15 pints and 10 rebounds. Ty Clark added 12 and Taylin Bird had 11.