Sheldon boys scorch the nets and win state opener - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Sheldon is making their first appearance at the state tournament since 1977, and the Orabs want to stay awhile.

Ninth-ranked Sheldon beat unranked Pella Christian, 63-57, in a first round game in Class 2A.

The Orabs led 27-26 at halftime and shot 62% in the second half to improve to 23-3 overall. Sheldon made 24 of 42 shots from the field for the game, a blistering 57%.

Chris Balster led four players in double figures with 21 points, on 8 of 10 shooting from the field. Dallas Ennema added 13 points, James Gradert had 11 and Matt Dykstra score 10.

"Defense wins championships and that's what we've emphasized all season," said Balster. "We go by defense and then we emphasize family. Whoever gets to the loose ball is going to win the game, we feel like."

"It's a dream come true," said Ennema. "We've been working on this since fifth grade when we got together as a team. It's just a dream come true."

Sheldon will play unranked Kuemper Catholic of Carroll in the semifinals on Thursday at 3:45 PM. Kuemper beat third-ranked Nodaway Valley, 61-54, to improve to 17-8.