Maranatha Basketball Dynasty Ends 16-Year Reign

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Tim Hanson says he's an engineer, but his primary job the last 30 years has been driving all his boys to their basketball games.

"I've probably seen more games than the coaches," he said.

Tim and his wife have ten children -- eight of them boys, who have all played basketball for Maranatha.

There's been a Hanson on every team since 1999.

They've accounted for more than 13,000 points and more than 400 wins over the last 16 years. And they've gone to five state tournaments.

This year, Jeremiah has them there again.

"He's very focused," his father said. "He loves basketball, he loves to compete. It seems like the more pressure is on him, the better he does."

Like on Thursday, when Maranatha trailed by 12 in the second half. Jeremiah delivered the game-winning basket with 22 seconds to go.

Watching the game with Tim, you could tell he'd done this a time or two -- or eight -- before.

"I'm cool as a cucumber," he said.

That's an attitude he'll need to cling to on Saturday. Because in the long line of Hansons, Jeremiah is the last one and now a senior.

So Saturday is his last high school basketball game and also happens to be the state championship.

Tim's last chance to watch one of his sons play for Maranatha could be his first chance to watch one win Maranatha a state title.

"It's come and gone very fast," he said. "It's really exciting, but it's kind of calming, too, and I'm looking forward to a little relaxation."

What's he's gonna do with all his new found free time? As it turns out, watch more basketball.

"I've got two guys that are going to college, so we'll be going to college games, but I've got five grandkids," he said.

So another Maranatha player may be coming onto the court in the future.

"It doesn't end," Tim said.