The Chapman Irish defeated Nickerson 29-28 in a defensive struggle Friday night in the USD 473 District Gym to earn a berth in the Class 4A State Basketball Tournament. The win for the Irish was in the championship game of the substate tournament.

Chapman, who overcame a three-point deficit after the end of the third quarter was led in scoring by Izek Jackson with 11 points. Their first round game in the state tournament at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina will be on Wednesday. The opponent and time have not yet been announced.

Coach James Bell noted this will be the first trip to the state tournament for Chapman boys basketball since 2002.