(Des Moines) Exira-EHK opposes the defending state runner-up Friday afternoon in a Class 1A Semifinal. The 4th rated Spartans are 24-0 and will face top ranked and 24-1 Bishop Garrigan.
The Golden Bear’s only loss all season was to Class 5A WDM Valley. They average 69.8 points per game and shoot 50.5% as a team, but Exira-EHK coach Tom Petersen is most impressed with the defense they play. “A lot of their points come off of what they are doing on the defensive side. They are playing a matchup zone which is really difficult to identify. They do such a good job of covering areas and they run out on shooters so they can force things back inside to Audi Crooks.”
Crooks is one of the biggest stars in any class. The 6’3 sophomore already has over 1,100 career points and 500 plus rebounds. She posted 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 blocks in their 48-42 quarterfinal win over Springville. There’s one name that comes up when coach Petersen reflects back on players he’s been around that are as dominant as Crooks. “Back in 2008, ’09, and ’10 I had Hallie Christofferson so I faced her in practice. That would be about the only time I’ve seen that.”
Crooks isn’t the only force for Bishop Garrigan. Molly Joyce averages 18.3 points per game and Kaylyn Meyers contributes 10.4. Petersen says they’ll dare the other two on the floor to beat them and must finish possessions with rebounds. “That’s what you have to do. She’s that good. She’s a strong force on the interior. You have to make sure you limit second chance opportunities. The other day we gave up 18 offensive rebounds and we can’t do that again.”
Petersen says a low scoring game would likely benefit the Spartans whose offensive efficiency will have to be really good in order to keep their season alive. The championship game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. #2 Newell-Fonda meets #6 Montezuma in the other semifinal.
