Payton Heinen

Wins have been at a premium the past years for the Axtell Eagles who haven’t had a winning season since 1996. We’ll that all changed this year as they Eagles have flew out to a 16-8 record thus far this season and look to continue their year this week at the Class 1A-Division II state tournament, after winning their sub-state.

It’s been a team performance all season by the Eagles to have the success they have had on the court but one player has shined quite a bit for Axtell all season and recently with his dominating performances at sub-state, that is junior, Payton Heinen.

Heinen has been a key to the Eagles success all season but he took over in the sub-state totaling 56 points, 17 rebounds, 12 blocks and seven assists in just two games in sub-state action.

Payton started off in the semifinals of the sub-state getting fed by his teammates to finish off the night with 33 points on 14-23 shooting (61%) and 5-7 from the free throw line. He didn’t stop with making an impact on the game just with his point total as he grabbed 13 rebounds, blocked seven shots and added three assists in the 71-49 Eagle win over Frankfort.

In the championship game Axtell took on rival B&B who they topped twice before in the season but this time the sub-state championship was on the line and Heinen showed up big again, following up his 33 point performance with 26 points on 9-17 shooting and 8-12 from the free throw line. To go with the 26 points, he chipped in four rebounds, four assists and five blocks.

Heinen has helped Axtell to a great season thus far posting 15 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 3.6 bpg, 1.2 spg and 1.8 apg while shooting 62% from the floor and tallying nine double-doubles.

Axtell looks to continue their success this season as they head to state riding an emotional high and great performances by junior, Payton Heinen and his teammates will continue to be needed to continue their season come Thursday night at State.