(Elk Horn, IA) – The Exira-EHK Spartans are looking to jump into a new girl’s basketball season with a fresh look. They have lost their two top scorers Quinn Grubbs and Shay Burmeister from last season, but bring back now-sophomore Jaelynn Petersen who averaged 10.6 points per game. Head coach Tom Petersen is anticipating that these athletes are going to step up, but it will take some time to see the team come together as a whole.
Exira-EHK and Audubon are combining for the girl’s basketball season. The Spartans are gaining sophomore Kadence Sporrer who was a tough player on the floor last season for the Wheelers. Exira-EHK also gains newcomer Taryn Petersen at guard and brings Hannah Nelson back to the floor for her senior season, as she was an impactful force last year.
The Spartans have been ranked #15 by the IGHSAU in the preseason rankings for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Coach Petersen is proud of his girls to be able to make that spot but says that this ranking doesn’t matter all that much to him.
Looking at their first game of the season, Exira-EHK is taking on Woodbine who has been ranked in the IGHSAU’s top 15 ranking sitting at #5 overall. They are returning a lot of talent with leading scorer Charlie Pryor alongside Amanda Newton. As much as they are preparing for their first game, the Spartans are focusing on themselves before they even worry about their opponent.
This Exira-EHK team may be small but are very mighty. Coach Petersen is looking to continue the same offensive style that his Spartans have continued to utilize for decades.
Exira-EHK will continue their practices this week as they look forward to their first game on November 28th at Woodbine with the opening tipoff at 6:00 p.m.
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