(Elk Horn, IA) — The win total for the Exira EHK Boy Basketball team fell from 19 last year to just five this past season — that happens when you lose 8 seniors, 4 of them starters, and over 62 points a game. The Spartans returned just one starter — Josh Nelson — who ended up averaging 15.6 points a game but drew double teams and even triple teams at times. Head Coach Tony Santistaben says it was a challenge
There were some good stories for Exira EHK — Senior Cannon Hansen overcame lack of experience and became a solid starter for the Spartans and Junior Austin Rasmussen — a state cross country qualifier — went from scoring 19 points total his sophomore season to averaging 11.7 points a game this season and making 70 threes, shooting at a 37 percent clip. Santistaben says Rasmussen plays the game the right way
Rasmussen will be back next year along with Junior Starters Owen Juhl and Bryce Brabham and Sophomore Anthony Young to form a nucleus. Freshman Blake Nelson played in every game off the bench and will be counted on to do more. Santistaben says this team is in better shape going into this off-season as opposed to last off-season after losing so many seniors
Overall, Exira EHK went 5-18 this past season and lose three seniors — Nelson, Hansen and Gideon King.
Complete Interview with Head Coach Tony Santistaben
