Ella Heithoff hit a three to start the fourth quarter to put Coon Rapids-Bayard up 41-40 on Exira-EHK, but the Spartans took control from there. A 10-0 run grabbed the lead back for Exira-EHK and they continued to pull away. The Spartans senior class will head to their fourth straight Regional Final on Wednesday night.

Exira-EHK led 24-23 at halftime and were struggling to defend the post. Breeley Clayburg had 12 points in the first half for the Crusaders and finished with 16 for the game before getting injured near the end of the third quarter. Her presence was certainly missed down the stretch but the Spartans also turned up the defensive pressure and started to knock down some jumpers. Exira-EHK Head Coach Tom Petersen said making some of those shots they were missing in the first half made a big difference.

Coach Petersen talked about learning some things defending a post that was playing well.

The two senior guards led the way for the Spartans. Quinn Grubbs finished with 21 and Shay Burmeister had 17. Coach Petersen is proud of what they’ve accomplished.

Burmeister talked about the game and her career arc.

The Spartans improved to 19-4 on the season. They will meet 4th-ranked Remsen-St. Mary’s on Wednesday night in the Region 4 Final.

Breeley Clayburg led Coon Rapids-Bayard with 16 points and Malia Clayburg had 13. The Crusaders end a strong season at 16-8.