Eugene Eagles make history securing back-to-back state championships

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Eugene clinched its second state title in program history, just a year after they claimed their first, defeating Hayti 71-56.

The Eagles took on the Indians for the Class two championship on Saturday, looking to become the first mid-Missouri boys program to win consecutive state titles.

They started the game out hot, jumping to a 14-4 lead. Hayti responded quickly, staying within two possessions through most of the first half. With just two minutes remaining in the second quarter, Eugene's all-time leading scorer Ethan Wunderlich hit a pair of layups to get the lead back to 10 entering the half.

From there, the Eagles stayed in the drivers seat, never letting the Indians back within seven points. They went on to extend their lead to as much as 17, when Wunderlich sunk a pair of free throws with 30 seconds remaining in the game.

He lead the team in scoring with 26 points, and raked in eight rebounds in the championship effort. Trent Lage and Austin Doerhoff also had big nights scoring 14 a piece in the victory.