The Paxton Tigers are heading back to the boys basketball state tournament for the first time since 2000. The Tigers held off a stubborn Sandhills/Thedford squad 50-46 in the D1-6 subdistrict final in North Platte to book a trip to Lincoln next week. The win moves the third-ranked Tigers to 22-1 on the season. The Brady Eagles hoped to become the third Lincoln County team to qualify for this year’s state tournament, but that dream fell short as the Eagles lost to Hayes Center 62-52 in the D2-5 district championship game in Hershey. The Cardinals duplicated a regular season win over the Eagles to earn their trip to Lincoln. Brady’s season comes to an end with a 19-4 record. Hershey and St. Patrick’s will represent the county at the boys state tournament, beginning next Thursday.