Spartans split a pair vs. Rolling Valley foes

 ELK HORN (Jan. 21) -- The Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton boys bounced back from a tough loss Monday to defeat Paton-Churdan 44-35 on Tuesday night in Elk Horn, improving to 7-5 overall and 6-4 in the Rolling Valley Conference.
 The Spartans led 24-21 at the half before outscoring the Rockets 6-4 in the third quarter and 14-10 in the fourth to complete a regular season sweep.
 Creighton Nelson led a balanced Spartan scoring attack with 11 points. He also had 10 rebounds, three assists and four steals. Hunter Andersen and Easton Nelson scored 10 points each for Exira-EHK, followed by Tyler Petersen with seven points, William Paulsen four and Trey Petersen two.
 The Spartans made only 17-of-52 total field goals and 1-of-12 three-pointers but were active on the glass with 11 offensive boards. Easton Nelson matched Creighton with 10 total rebounds and Tyler Petersen had eight. Andersen and Easton Nelson both had four steals.

Coon Rapids-Bayard 62, Exira-EHK 55
 COON RAPIDS (Jan. 20) -- The Spartans lost a hard-fought seven-point battle at Coon Rapids-Bayard Mondy night in a make-up game.
 Scoring leaders for the Spartans were Creighton Nelson with 18 points, Tyler Petersen 16 and Easton Nelson 15.