(Elk Horn) For the 6th time since 2015 the Exira-EHK girls basketball team will finish their season at state. The 5th ranked Spartans oppose #4 MMCRU on Wedensday at 3:15 p.m on KSOM.
Exira-EHK has gone 4-1 in the first round of the state tournament over the past eight years. Coach Tom Petersen admits the Royal team they are about to face is similar to the group they saw last year at state in a 60-55 Spartan victory. “They lost one senior from last year, kind of like what we did. They do a lot of the same things like us. They are obviously more veteran than what they were a year ago. Any time you get down there you are going to have your hands full. That should be the expectation and our girls have to make sure they are ready to play.”
Both teams take a 23-1 record into the contest. Exira-EHK’s lone setback was a 58-53 decision against Class 2A #4 Panorama. MMCRU’s only blemish was by a single point to Class 3A #1 Unity Christian. Coach Petersen believes his team might take a little bit different mindset into the state tournament compared to how they approached things last year. “Since they’ve been there I think they have an idea of what to expect. I don’t think the stage fright is quite as big as what it was.”
MMCRU started the season on a 17-game win streak. They are led by Emily Dreckman’s per game averages of 17.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.4 steals. She has 1,251 career points despite missing half of her sophomore season. “She’s a 6’0” guard who is also able to go inside. She shoots 35% from three and she’s just solid all the way around.” Petersen adds, “Then you have another six footer in (Ellie) Hilbrands that’s on the interior. She’s been making three’s as of late. Those two girls provide the immediate challenge. (Taylor) Harpenau is another one that around the perimeter she shoots over 40% on her three’s. The other guard is extremely fast and then Mya Holmes does her work on the boards.” Petersen says his defense will have to change their look from time-to-time to keep the Royals out of their comfort zone.
MMCRU is 65-5 over the past three years. Exira-EHK is 68-4 in that same span. While coach Petersen’s group brought back the bulk of their team from last year, it hasn’t always been easy this season. “Other than our first two games of the season, after the Glidden game our last three games is the best basketball that we’ve played. Obviously that’s what you want. I’m hoping that’s something we can carry over, because it’s going to be extremely difficult. I couldn’t be more proud. I don’t talk a lot ever about the state tournament. It’s so hard to get here. A lot of people take that for granted because we’ve been fortunate, but these kids have earned this.”
Quinn Grubbs led the team with 25 points in the regional final win over Stanton. She’s averaging 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 3.8 steals per game. Macy Emgarten is the team’s leading scorer and rebounder at 17.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. The winner advances to the semifinals on Friday, March 4th at 1:30 p.m. against either #1 ranked and three time defending champion Newell-Fonda or 8th rated North Mahaska.
Exira-EHK coach Tom Petersen:
