#SDSportsAwards, team of the year: Cardiac Chargers provided plenty of fireworks

The Sioux Falls Christian boys basketball team’s 2015-16 season had all the hallmarks of a truly historic year.

The first state championship in program history. Dominating performances. Signature wins. Dramatic moments. Revenge. All ingredients that make them the choice for the South Dakota Sports Awards’ team of the year.

When the Chargers traveled to Rapid City in late March, anything short of a Class A championship would’ve been a disappointment. After they overcame a 14-point deficit to knock off Ty Hoglund and Dell Rapids in the regional final, that was the proper ending to the script. The Quarriers had beaten the Chargers twice during the regular season, their only two losses to in-state competition (their third loss came to Floyd Valley, Iowa).

That win ensured the spotlight (and the pressure that comes with it) was focused intently on Sioux Falls Christian come state tournament time, but it was far from the only memorable win along the way.

MORE: See other winners of the S.D. Sports Awards

There were the 190 points they combined to score in the first two home games of the season, followed by brag-worthy wins over ‘AA’ city powers Washington and O’Gorman. By the time they’d knocked off Dells in the playoffs it was well-established that the Chargers were for real – their opponents had a combined record of 258-135 on the season.

They cruised past defending champion Aberdeen Roncalli in the state tournament opener, then followed with an equally convincing win over Chamberlain. In the state championship, St. Thomas More served as a worthy challenger, but the Chargers wouldn’t be denied.

When it was all said and done, Chad Barkema, Keegan Van Egdom, DeJay Fykstra, Austin Schreur, Lincoln Unruh and company had led Christian to a 20-3 season that was greater than the sum of its parts.

“We’re just thrilled to get that historical win for our school's sake," said coach Mike Schouten. “And of course we’re happy for ourselves, too, to be the guys and the team to do it. A lot of happiness and joy. And also a sense of relief to finally break that barrier and get that state championship for our school.”