(Elk Horn, IA) – The pressure was on for other teams taking on Exira-EHK this season as this girl’s team was able to battle all year long, especially in the face of adversity. Exira-EHK was able to defeat Treynor, who was a state top-ten team before falling to Westwood in the regional championship game. Head Coach Tom Petersen was proud of how his girls challenged themselves every night, just like they did against Treynor.
The Spartans featured just one senior this season, Hannah Nelson. She may not have led in scoring every night for Exira-EHK, but her physicality, leadership, and poise were three aspects of just the many that she featured throughout her four years as a Spartan.
Taryn Petersen was named to the IGCA All-District and IBCA All-Region team this season. Taryn was also named alongside Jaelynn Petersen as First-Team All-Conference members as just a sophomore and a freshman respectively. This is an impressive feat, but Coach Petersen is looking for these two to work alongside their teammates and put in the work this offseason to aim for improvement next season.
Looking into the scope of next season, Exira-EHK is bringing back their top five leading scorers from this season. Freshmen Riley Miller, Taryn Petersen, and Kaitliyn Christensen all were able to provide a spark. Jaelynn Petersen, Kadence Sporrer, Mayne Jorgensen, Harlee Fahn, and Alissa Testroet all return this next season and are looking to get into the spring sports season to provide a spark for Spartan athletics.
Exira-EHK finished the season with a 16-7 record while finishing 11-4 in Rolling Valley Conference action. Coach Petersen thanks his athletes for a fun and successful basketball season.
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