(Elk Horn) Dating back to last season the Exira-EHK boys basketball team has won nine straight regular season games.
Coach Doug Newton’s squad has won all seven of their contests this year. They average 70 points per game and allow 50. “Probably the best thing we’ve done so far is it’s been a group effort. We’ve had several different guys lead us in scoring and lead us in rebounding and other stats too, assists as well. It’s been a success by committee which is okay.”
Cash Emgarten leads the team at 17.2 points per game while Aiden Flathers, Jackson Radcliff, Trey Petersen, Easton Nelson, and Derrek Kommes have all been key components. All of them were varsity regulars last season and have taken a step forward. “It just seems like they have a certain level of more confidence.” Newton says, “Speed of the game is a lot quicker and they seem to be stepping up.”
Exira-EHK and West Harrison have yet to match up. They share the conference lead. “They are pretty good. They’ve got everybody back from their state tournament team. They play really well together. They are really physical. They like it hat way. If you get officials that allow them to play that way it is an uphill climb for you. We go to their place on January 10th and that will be a huge test for us.” Newton also points out, “Anytime you see Coon Rapids-Bayard Cory Meyer is going to have them ready to go. CAM gave us all we wanted a couple of weeks ago in a double overtime game. We haven’t seen Woodbine yet. When we played Glidden-Ralston we were very fortunate to get out of their place with a win. We were down four points late and found a way to win that one. It doesn’t really seem like we can take anyone for granted.”
The Spartans are one of 11 undefeated teams remaining in Class 1A.
Exira-EHK basketball coach Doug Newton:
