Hills-Beaver Creek wins double state titles in basketball and football

The Patriots capture the Class A basketball championship after winning the nine-man football title in the fall.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:22pm

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The Hills-Beaver Creek Patriots have accomplished a rare feat, winning both the Class A basketball state championship and the nine-man football state title in the same school year. Led by standout players Jamin Metzger and Micah Bush, the Patriots dominated Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton 64-33 in the basketball final after previously celebrating their first Prep Bowl football title since 1990.

Why it matters

Winning both a basketball and football state championship in the same season is an extraordinary accomplishment, especially for a small Class A school like Hills-Beaver Creek. This dual title run showcases the depth of athletic talent and coaching at the school, and will be celebrated as a historic achievement by the tight-knit community.

The details

In the basketball final, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound Jamin Metzger led Hills-Beaver Creek with 22 points and 13 rebounds, demonstrating his athleticism and power in the paint. Teammate Micah Bush, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound South Dakota State safety recruit, contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds. The Patriots' dominant performance came after they edged past top-seeded Henning 71-67 in overtime in the semifinals.

  • Hills-Beaver Creek won the nine-man football state title in the fall of 2025.
  • The basketball state championship game was played on March 28, 2026 at Williams Arena.

The players

Jamin Metzger

A 6-foot-5, 210-pound senior who led Hills-Beaver Creek with 22 points and 13 rebounds in the basketball state championship game. He is committed to play quarterback at Division II Sioux Falls.

Micah Bush

A 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior who had 10 points and 7 rebounds in the basketball final. He is a South Dakota State safety recruit.

Chad Rauk

The head coach of the Hills-Beaver Creek basketball team, who guided the Patriots to their first-ever state championship in the sport.

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What they’re saying

“I think basketball will be bigger. Basketball is the first time ever. We've had a lot of great teams come through HBC, but it feels good that we're the ones to finally do it after all these years.”

— Jamin Metzger, Senior

“I don't know if we'll ever see that again. Especially at a small school. A Class A school where you can go football and basketball. It just goes to show you that if you get the right players with the right mindset and want put the right work in, the results prove themselves.”

— Chad Rauk, Head Coach

What’s next

The Hills-Beaver Creek community is planning a celebratory parade and rally to honor the football and basketball state champions.

The takeaway

Hills-Beaver Creek's historic dual state title run in football and basketball showcases the remarkable athletic talent and coaching at this small Class A school. Winning championships in both sports in the same year is an extraordinary accomplishment that will be long remembered by the tight-knit community.