(IHSAA) DES MOINES, Iowa – For the second year in a row, St. Albert gave the defending Class 1A champions a genuine threat in their state tournament opener. And just like in 2018, Grand View Christian came through with a hard-fought win against the Hawkeye Ten contender to advance.

The Thunder (24-1) withstood rallies in the second and fourth quarters thanks to double-digit scoring efforts from seniors Bryce Crabb (17 points), Harouna Sissoko (14), and Arturo Montes (12). Crabb went 10-of-11 from the free throw line to help seal the win down the stretch.

St. Albert struggled against Grand View’s length on the glass and in the paint, but got as close as 53-51 with 1:10 remaining in a gritty performance. Senior Reed Miller led the Falcons with 13 points and 10 rebounds and sophomore guard Sam Rallis added 12 points.

Grand View Christian has now won seven straight state tournament contests. St. Albert, led by recently promoted coach Larry Peterson, was playing in its third tournament in the last four years.

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