(Harlan, IA) – Exira-EHK’s slow-moving offense and stagnant defense in the second half helped Woodbine roll in the third quarter to defeat the Spartans 56-49 in Harlan. Senior Aiden Flathers was a big key in the second-quarter push for the Spartans, but with the team moving at a slow tempo in the third quarter, it was hard for any player to help put the team on their back.
Exira-EHK’s Head Coach Tony Santistaben knew that his boys were ready for this back-and-forth battle, but at the end of the night, the Tigers outplayed the Spartans down the stretch late in the game with Carter Gruver leading the way marking 23 points followed by Jax Pryor in the post with 19. Brody Pryor knocked down the other 11 points while Landon Blum finished with four. Coach Santistaben knew that his boys were ready for tonight’s game but the iron didn’t favor the Spartans.
The Spartans were led on the night by Cash Emgarten with 15 points while he was a dominant force on the offensive run in the second quarter. Both Josh Nelson and Jackson Radcliff knocked in 10 points as big keys in the second-quarter run on the scoreboard. Aiden Flathers had eight, Jaiden Pettepier had five, and Jameson Kilworth finished off with one. Despite the loss for the Spartans, they played their hearts out and pushed all season long to get to this moment.
This team was looking to end their careers with a district championship, especially with seniors including Cole Brahham, Cash Emgarten, Jameson Kilworth, Jonas LaCanne, Jaiden Pettepier, Quintinn White, Jackson Radcliff, and Aiden Flathers who all held Spartan basketball to such high standards.
While this loss ends the run for Exira-EHK, the Spartans feature multiple athletes who are looking to get ready for the track and field and golf seasons that are coming quickly.
Exira-EHK finished the year with a 19-5 record and finished first in the conference at 13-2. Woodbine continues on as they currently sit at 22-2 and finished second in the conference at 13-2 as they prepare to take on Madrid on Saturday in Carroll for a 7:00 p.m. tipoff. Congratulations to Exira-EHK for a very successful season.
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