Hills-Beaver Creek boys basketball coach Chad Rauk knew no opponent would be physically tougher than his team, with nearly an entire roster also members of the school’s Nine-Player state championship football team.

The Patriots were known for gridiron greatness, but they also changed the perception that they could be a basketball school as well this year.

Reaching the first state tournament in program history was probably enough to gain respect in hoops, but No. 5 seed Hills-Beaver Creek made it to Saturday’s Class A championship against No. 3 seed Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton at Williams Arena.

The game is at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 28.

“The biggest thing with these guys is it doesn’t matter what they’re doing,” Rauk said. “If they’re playing football or basketball, they’re just competitors. ... they’re going to give you everything they have.”

The Patriots (29-3) got all of their points from football players turned hoopers in Friday’s 71-67 overtime upset win to end No. 1 Henning’s 31-game winning streak.

“It’s something you’ve been dreaming of since you were a little kid to play at the Barn,” said Mr. Football finalist Micah Bush, who had 20 points. “It’s just an opportunity we’re very grateful for.”

Bush, Jamin and Brodie Metzger and Riggins Rheault combined for 61 points. The Metzger boys also finished with double-doubles in points and rebounds.

The athletic prowess of HBC’s two-sport stars overcame a big effort from Mr. Basketball finalist Kale Misegades, who had 32 points and 12 rebounds for Henning.

“We know how to win in those intense environments and those intense games,” said Jamin Metzger, who is also the Patriots quarterback. “We proved it [Friday].”

If Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton’s going to keep Hills-Beaver Creek from doubling up on state titles Saturday, it will need another stellar effort from Daulton and Gavin Bauer, who also play football.

What Bulldogs refer to as their “Bauer Power” showed up in full force with the Bauer brothers combining for 71 points and 24 rebounds in Thursday’s quarterfinal win against Cherry.

Daulton, a senior and the program’s all-time leading scorer, had 29 points in Friday’s semifinal victory against Red Lake County. Gavin, a sophomore standout wing and wide receiver, added 16 points, seven rebounds and five steals to help the Bulldogs to their first state title game in football or basketball.

“You can’t really ask for much more than making the state championship,” Daulton said. “That’s what I’ve dreamed of like pretty much all my life.”

JWP coach Nick James said his team’s not used to competing with HBC’s type of size and physicality but his players will be ready.

“We’ll have to walk to battle again,” James said. “They’re a lot. They’re a little bigger, little stronger, more physical than we’re used to battling every day. We’ll give it a shot.”