Exira-EHK advances to Semis with win over MMCRU

March 3rd, 2021 by admin

The Exira-EHK Spartans followed a familiar script to advance to the Class 1A State Semifinals; build a halftime lead, let it slip away in the third, and then finish strong. Exira-EHK grabbed a 60-55 win over MMCRU on Wednesday evening in Des Moines.

The Spartans fell behind 6-0 out of the gate but answered with a 7-0 to grab a lead. MMCRU led 10-9 at the end of the first. Sparty then went on a late 8-0 run to lead 30-21 at halftime. Shay Burmeister hit back to back threes in that stretch to gain the edge. Burmeister talked about being confident in the moment.

MMCRU rallied back in the third quarter, outscoring the Spartans 24-13 in the frame. The Royals took a two point lead into the fourth and then Quinn Grubbs took over. The outstanding sophomore scored 12 of her game high 25 points in the fourth. The biggest shot perhaps was a tie-breaking three midway through the fourth that gave the Spartans a 52-49 lead that they would not relent. The Spartans got to the foul line and hit 6 of 9 down the stretch to grab the win. Exira-EHK Head Coach Tom Petersen said the team just continues to deliver.

Aside from Grubbs the Spartans had three other players in double figures. Burmeister with 14, Mollie Rasmussen 11, and Macy Emgarten 10. The Spartans improve to an impressive 24-0 on the season and advance to the 1A Semifinals. They will take on top-seeded Bishop Garrigan on Friday afternoon. Coach Petersen continues to be in awe of this small but mighty team.

MMCRU was led by 20 points from junior Emily Dreckman and 17 from fellow junior Ellie Hilbrands. The Royals closed their season at 21-3.

We’ll have coverage of the Spartans and the Golden Bears on Friday afternoon on KJAN. Pregame will start at 1:00 p.m. with tipoff at 2:00 p.m. Check out full postgame comments from Shay Burmeister and Head Coach Tom Petersen below.