The (19-5) Exira-EHK Spartans Boys basketball team ends their season with a 56-49 loss to the Woodbine Tigers in the semi-final round of the Class 1A-Region 8 Substate. The Tigers got their inside game working early in the game, as Tigers Sophomore Jax Pryor scored nine points in the first quarter but was held scoreless in second quarter, as the Spartans took a seven point lead into halftime with a score of 31-24. Tigers junior Carter Gruver scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half. The Tigers took the lead back late in the 4th quarter at 51-49 and knocked down six big key free throws down the stretch to secure the win for the Tigers.

The Spartans had three guys in double figures on the night. Senior Cash Emgarten, who led the Spartans in scoring with 15 points and junior Josh Nelson and senior Jackson Radcliff each had 10 points in the game.

The toughest part of this loss for the Spartans they will be graduating seven seniors from this years team. Spartan head coach Tony Santistaben had to say about coaching these seniors this season in the first year as head coach of the Spartans.

Spartan senior guard Aiden Flathers reflected on the game against Woodbine, but he was sure glad about winning the Rolling Valley Conference this year.

Flathers said he is going to miss the most about playing Spartans basketball.

This loss for the Spartans boys basketball team will end their season and they will finish their season with a 19-5 overall record. This win for the Woodbine Tigers will put them in the Regional Championship game this Saturday in the Class 1A-Substate 8 championship game against the Madrid Tigers in Carroll. Tipoff at 7:00 pm.