ABERDEEN — The stage is set.

The Class B boys basketball state championship game pits Castlewood against Viborg-Hurley, and it’s filled with compelling storylines.  

First, the teams are coached by Castlewood High School graduates Paul Raasch and Shane Warwick. They were teammates for the Warriors, and now they’ll coach against each other on the state’s biggest stage. 

“Could you write it up any better than in Aberdeen at the State Bs?” said Warwick, the Viborg-Hurley coach. “It probably just adds to it a little bit. I have a lot of respect for coach Raasch. He’s a friend of mine and naturally being from Castlewood it makes it a little extra special and fun to have both my team and him in the championship.”

The Warriors and Cougars played earlier this season, a 49-44 Viborg-Hurley win. The teams felt destined for a rematch at Wachs Arena, and both programs are chasing an elusive state championship.

Viborg-Hurley Cougars forward Nicholas Hanson (34) gets a handshake from Brady Schroedermeier (23) after making a shot during the first half of a Class B semifinal Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Class B boys basketball tournament in Aberdeen. (Rodney Haas / 605 Sports)

Viborg-Hurley has never won a state championship as a co-op, and is 0-3 in state championship appearances. Castlewood, meanwhile, has not won a state championship since 2001 and the current Warriors are making their fourth consecutive state tourney appearance.  

“It’s been a goal of our guys all year long obviously,” Raasch said. “We keep it in house but we’ve been on a mission and our guys have been confident all year.”

The teams are filled with length, skilled guards and imposing centers. The Warriors are powered by Bryon Laue, a 6-foot-9 all-state center, who is motivated to bring home a state championship to Castlewood. 

“In the past years we haven't been able to get there,” said Laue, a 6-foot-9 senior center. “Now that we are there it is exciting, but the job is still not finished.” 

Hanson, a 6-foot-7 senior center, headlines the Cougars, who are also hungry to deliver a state championship to the Viborg and Hurley communities. 

“It’s going to be a great battle,” Hanson said. “I know Bryon pretty well. I know that’s going to be fun. We beat them the first time, but it’s hard to beat a team twice. So it will be a good game.”

The Warriors and Cougars are filled with hoops history, talent, supportive communities and it will all be on display for the state championship. 

“To get to this point now and have a shot, there’s nothing better than that,” Raasch said. “It’s one day to play a game to win a title and that’s where we wanted to be and that’s where we are.”