(Des Moines, IA) — St. Albert was able to go on a 8-0 run late in the 4th quarter to beat Exira EHK 45-37 in the first round of the Class 1A girls state basketball tournament.
If it was not for the first two minutes of the game and the last three minutes, Exira EHK would have won the game.
The Spartans struggled early trailing 15-1 in the first 2:11 of the game, only shooting 2 of 10 in the first quarter and trailed 17-8 at the end of one. It was the Saintes turn to struggle in the 2nd quarter only going 2 of 18 from the field and Exira EHK came back to within two points at the half — trailing 22-20.
St. Albert was able to extend their lead to 8 in the 3rd quarter, up 33-25 but Exira EHK came back again. Riley Miller started the 4th quarter with the Spartans first three pointer of the game and after a Saintes turnover, Taryn Peterson’s jumper cut it to 33-30. A lay up by Maeve Ryan was answered by Taryn Petersen’s three pointer to make it 35-33 and moments later T.P. tied it at 35-35 on a jumper in the lane with 4:57 left.
The Saintes went inside to Avah Underwood who was held in check most of the game but she hit two lay ups in a row to spark a key 8-0 run to make it 43-35 and that was good enough to win it. St. Albert dominated the rebounds by a 2 to 1 margin — 51 to 25. The Saintes at 25 offensive rebounds to just five for Exira EHK.
St. Albert (22-3) was led by Underwood with 11 points and 17 rebounds, Brooklynn Rutledge had 9 points all in the first half and Eleanor Coughlin and Maeve Ryan each added 8.
Exira EHK (22-2) was led by Taryn Petersen with 18 points while Jaelynn Petersen added 8 points and 9 rebounds.
The Spartans will lose three seniors, all starters — Jaelynn Petersen, Kadence Sporrer and Harlow Miller.
Post Game Interview with Head Coach Tom Petersen
