The Exira-EHK Spartans (24-0) have enjoyed a wonderful ride through the 2020-21 girls basketball season. And they’ll look to give the ride moving on Friday with a State Semifinal meeting with the Bishop Garrigan Golden Bears (24-1).

Both teams had to fight hard for Quarterfinal wins. Bishop Garrigan held on to an early advantage against a scrappy Springville squad, and Exira-EHK came through with a big fourth quarter finish to beat MMCRU. Exira-EHK Head Coach Tom Petersen said the offense for Bishop Garrigan gets a lot of attention but he thinks their defense is maybe even more impressive.

The Golden Bears are led by an outstanding sophomore in the post in 6’3″ Audi Crooks. She’s averaging a double double with nearly 21 points and just over 10 rebounds per game. Coach Petersen said they will have to do a great job of making her uncomfortable.

The Golden Bears will throw some different zone looks at the Spartans and their Head Coach Brandon Schwab said they want to run teams off the three point line.

Coach Schwab has been impressed by the Spartans ability to play strong at the end of games despite having such a short bench.

The 1A Semifinal showdown is set for a 2:00 p.m. tipoff on Saturday and we’ll have coverage on KJAN with pregame starting at 1:00 p.m. Chris Parks and CAM Head Coach Joe Wollum will have the call from Des Moines.