ABERDEEN — A rare father-son dynamic adds to the intrigue of tonight’s Viborg-Hurley vs. Dell Rapids St. Mary boys basketball game. 

Viborg-Hurley coach Shane Warwick is in his first season coaching the Cougars, while his son Walker is a junior guard for the Cardinals. They will play at 7:45 p.m. tonight for a spot in the Class B state championship. 

As two of the top-three teams in Class B, Viborg-Hurley and Dell Rapids St. Mary was on a collision course to play at some point this season. The father-son backstory only adds another layer to semifinal night at Wachs Arena. 

“I thought if that ever did happen that means we got in the tournament, his team got in the tournament,” Shane Warwick said. “We both won and we are both playing on Friday night. I am thankful for it.” 

Warwick took the reins of the Cougar program during the offseason, presenting him with a dilemma as a father and coach. But Warwick made it to a handful of Dell Rapids St. Mary games, watching as a father and sizing up a future opponent. 

“It honestly worked out pretty good to be able to do both,” Warwick said. “Because that was naturally discussed before I did it. Him and my wife, they were going to make the final thing and they were both 100% supportive. I am glad it worked out.” 

And for Warwick, a former Northern State University men’s basketball player, the father-son situation makes for a special night at an already special venue. 

“I love Aberdeen. I love Northern, and the B tournament is so special,” Warwick said. “There’s nothing better than having it right here at Wachs.”