Spartans host RVC opponent in season opener

After back-to-back seasons in which the Exira-EHK Spartans girls basketball team has reached the Regional Final game, this year they are hoping to get over that hump, and take the next step towards a state tournament appearance.

“It has been a decent week of practice,” said Spartan Head Coach Tom Petersen. “Young kids have got to pay attention to detail at all times so we can stay ahead of things. We have good numbers so it has been a lot of work, but a lot of fun also.”

Last season, the Spartans finished 16-7 overall with wins against Boyer Valley, IKM-Manning, West Harrison, Glidden-Ralston, along with two regional victories over AHSTW and Treynor.

Taryn Petersen led the Spartans with 447 points, averaging 19.4 per game. She also led in assists with 83, averaging 3.6 per game. Jaelynn Petersen led the team in rebounds with 177, averaging 7.7 per game. Jaelynn Petersen is no longer on the team due to relocating.

“She was a great role model and an amazing aspect to our team,” said Senior Harlee Fahn of Petersen. “She will be greatly missed on the court. It’s been rough getting used to. However, with a new and bigger team we have amazing talent that will help fill her spot.”

The Spartans have been practicing for a week, led by head coach Tom Petersen. Some new players have joined the team including Zoey Rasmussen and Brooklyn Snider, who were a part of a Spartan volleyball team that won 15 games and earned their first Rolling Valley Conference Championship since 2016.

“Coach Petersen has been talking to all of us and encouraging us to give it our all every day,” Fahn said. “He loves his quotes, so he tries to give us motivational quotes at the beginning of practice to help motivate us for that day and what we are working on in practice.”

The Spartans open their season Dec. 3 at home against Rolling Valley Conference rival, the Woodbine Tigers, who finished their 2023 season with a 16-8 record losing 63-21 in Regionals Feb. 21 to St. Albert. The Spartans lost their season opener on the road to Woodbine last year 58-50.

“The key is really going to be defense and shutting down Charlie Pryor,” said Sophomore Riley Miller. “Our goal every year is to shut her down and make the other people do their jobs. We’re pretty good at that and that’s our goal.”

Pryor led the Tigers in points with 374, averaging 17.8 per game, and assists with 114 averaging 5.4 per game.