The Exira-EHK Spartans girls basketball team is preparing for their 4th straight appearance at the Girls State Basketball Tournament. After falling in overtime in the Semifinals last year the Spartans are prepared to make some noise again on the big stage.

This year they face a first round challenge from the AGWSR Cougars out of Ackley, Iowa. The Cougars (21-2) are lead by one of the top shooting guards in the state in Mandy Willems who is averaging 19 points per game. She has connected on 79 three-pointers this season and is shooting 49% from the outside. Her backcourt mate, Aubrie Fisher, has connected on 52% of her three-point attempts on the year forming a very potent outside shooting combo. Cougar Head Coach Laurie Gann talked about her leaders.

The Cougars are also a deep team that has gotten strong contributions from some young post players. They are averaging 65 points per game on the year. Their only two losses on the season came to West Marshall and Grundy Center, teams they also beat during their other meeting of the regular season. Exira-EHK Head Coach Tom Petersen said the Spartans will need to limit opportunities for the Cougars on the offensive end.

The Spartans come in with a 23-1 record, avenging their only loss of the season to Boyer Valley later on in the campaign. Coach Petersen talked about the team’s growth since that loss to the Bulldogs on January 2nd.

Sophia Peppers leads the Spartans with 19 points per game and fellow senior Kealey Nelson has added 16 per outing. The Spartans as a team have averaged 66 points per game. Coach Gann said she sees similarities between the two teams.

Tip-off between the Spartans and Cougars is set for 3:15pm. We’ll have coverage of the game on KJAN with pregame starting at 1:45pm. Chris Parks and Mike Smith will have the call from Des Moines. Tune in on-air, online, or on the KJAN mobile app.