(From IHSAA) DES MOINES – North Linn got one last look at a state championship and perfect season. It just fell short, off the rim from 3-point range as time expired in Friday’s Class 1A title game, starting up a celebration from Grand View Christian for the second year in a row at Wells Fargo Arena.

The Thunder (25-1) slowed the pace in a 49-46 win, played excellent defense, and leaned on star center Issa Samake when it mattered most, repeating as champions in the Iowa’s small-school class. North Linn entered the contest averaging 91.5 points per game. It left frustrated, held to half that, on 32 percent shooting and unable to unleash its dangerous fast break attack.

North Linn’s engine Jake Hilmer racked up 17 points with six rebounds, six assists, and four steals in defeat, earning All-Tournament Team captain honors. Senior Ryan Miller, who shot the game’s last heave from the left wing on a side out-of-bounds play with two seconds remaining, added 15 points to the Lynx (28-1) cause.

The day belonged to Grand View Christian, as guard Grant DeMeulenaere played his most efficient game of the tournament with 21 points, and Samake threw down multiple impressive alley-oops in a 12-point, 18-rebound, four-block effort. The 6-foot-7 Samake was a difference-maker in the middle of a long zone defense, which North Linn struggled to penetrate, held to just 19 points in a slow first half.

The game was North Linn’s first appearance for the state title. Their closest game of this high-powered season was a 23-point margin in Wednesday’s semifinals against Don Bosco, Gilbertville. They were led by the state’s winningest coach, Bob Hilmer, and his son and co-coach, Mike. But their style was stymied on Friday, with Grand View becoming the first team to repeat in 1A since Boyden-Hull accomplished the feat in 2012-13.

Coach Dave Stubbs was the first head coach for the four-year-old program, which has now made three straight tournaments on its way to back-to-back titles.

CLASS 1A ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Ryan Miller, North Linn

Issa Samake, Grand View Christian

Derrick Schorg, St. Mary’s, Remsen

Jack Kelley, Don Bosco, Gilbertville

Grant DeMeulenaere, Grand View Christian

Jake Hilmer, North Linn (captain)