The play is called Valpo.
The Hockinson boys basketball team runs it every practice in case they need a buzzer-beater in a game.
That moment came Monday in the championship of the Surf ‘n Slam tournament in San Diego.
Trailing North Union of Ohio by two with four seconds left, Hockinson coach Trevor Person dialed up Valpo.
It worked to perfection. Alan Haagen hit a 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds remaining to give Hockinson a 59-58 victory.
The play is the same one immortalized by Valparaiso in the 1998 NCAA Tournament and replayed countless times on sports highlight shows.
In this case, Jess Krahn inbounded to Jack Klodt at the top of the key. He passed to Haagan, who was sprinting down the sideline.
Catch, shoot, score.
Person said his team is elevated by its tight-knit group of seven seniors, including all three involved in the final play.
“They don’t have to think, they just react because they know what each other is doing,” Person said. “It’s neat being around them. They’re also buddies off the floor. The younger kids are understanding how important that is for success on the court.”
Haagan scored 14 points, had six assists and was named MVP of the six-team “San Diego” bracket of the tournament. Klodt also had 14 points and was named first-team all-tournament.
Taylor Rennaker had 10 points and Nate Gunderson had 10 rebounds for the Hawks.
HOCKINSON 59, NORTH UNION 58
At Surf ‘n Slam Tournament, San Diego
HOCKINSON — Taylor Rennaker 10, Nate Gunderson 6, Jack Klodt 14, Alan Haagen 14, Jared Broer 3, Casey Turner , Austin Steimle 0, Taylor Ellensohn 9, Littleton Davidson 0, Jess Krahn 3, Brian Prigmore . Totals 21 (9) 8-10 59.
NORTH UNION (Ohio) — Nordquist 3, Stofcheck 12, Hoffman 3, Allen 16, Terrill 21, Rayburn 3. Totals 18 (7) 15-24 58.Hockinson 16 11 20 12–59
N. Union 12 16 14 16–58
