The Exira-EHK Spartans started strong against two-time defending champion Springville on Friday but couldn’t sustain the momentum through the rest of the game and fell 57-41 in the Class 1A Semifinal match-up.

The Spartans jumped out to an early 8-2 lead but the Orioles sank 3 three point shots to take their first lead by the end of the first quarter 13-11. The Orioles then pushed that advantage to 29-18 by half and then really put the game out of reach by outscoring the Spartans 19-11 in the third quarter.

Springville’s defense was a big factor as they packed in the lane with a 2-3 zone to keep the ball away from Sophia Peppers and Kealey Nelson. The Orioles forced 20 Spartan turnovers and led the points off turnovers category 26-3.

Star post player Michaela Nachazel finished with 15 points and 4 rebounds to lead Springville back to the 1A State Title game for the fourth straight season. Fellow seniors Madi Wagaman (13) and Rylee Menster (12) also finished in double figures.  The Orioles will try for their third straight State Title on Saturday night at 7:00pm against the Newell-Fonda/Central Decatur winner.

The Spartans were led by 13 points from Sophia Peppers and 8 each from Ellie Schultes and Kamryn Waymire. Peppers and fellow senior Kealey Nelson end an illustrious career for Exira-EHK with a career record of 96-6 and 72-1 in the Rolling Valley Conference.

Exira-EHK Head Coach said after the game that he is just so proud of what they have been able to accomplish.