(Elk Horn) Exira-EHK’s opponent in the first round of the boys basketball postseason is Nodaway Valley. The Spartans will take on the Wolverines on KSOM in game one of a doubleheader at CAM on Monday.
Backed by wins of 86-39 and 76-47 in their last two games the Spartans and coach Doug Newton carry some momentum into the district tournament with a 13-8 overall record. “We came out against Paton-Churdan and shot it pretty well actually. We got some good looks at the basket and made some extra passes. I think we had 20 assists so we shared the ball.” Newton says, “Against Woodward Academy it was an up and down game and they didn’t get back very good so we got some easy buckets. We gave up a few more than I would like on the other end, but both nights we shot a good percentage so hopefully that gets some confidence in the right direction.”
Nodaway Valley brings a unique matchup. “We’ve got them out sized by quite a bit, but quickness and athleticism wise they are a handful. They don’t have very many kids that aren’t built pretty well. They know where the weight room is it looks like. They can get to the lane off the dribble and we are going to have trouble penetrating on them because they can cut us off. They are going to have to defend our size, but we’ll have to guard their quickness.”
The winner faces either CAM or IKM-Manning on Thursday in the District Semifinals.
Exira-EHK coach Doug Newton:
