The Exira-EHK Spartans got down early and tried to play catch up all night in a 65-54 loss to St. Albert in the Class 1A Region 7 Final. The Saintes jumped on top 13-7 by the end of the first quarter and led by 7 at halftime, 26-19. The Saintes pushed the lead out to as much as 13 in the second half and held off a late rally. Exira-EHK got as close as 5 in the fourth quarter but the Saintes seem to always answer back.

Quick dribbling and passing by the Saintes was able to beat the Spartan press for most of the night with Makenna Shepard and Jordyn Blaha doing a great job of slicing through defenders. St. Albert star Allie Petry led the way with 24 points, including 8 in the fourth quarter. Jordyn Blaha dropped in 17 and Lauren Williams had a big night with 12. St. Albert advances to the State Tournament for the first time since 2000 and the sixth time in school history. The Saintes are now 13-11 on the season.

Exira-EHK was led by 16 points from Tatum Grubbs and 13 from Quinn Grubbs. The Saintes were able to keep the ball away from Spartan leading-scorer Macy Emgarten in the first half and held her scoreless until the break. She ended up finishing with 12 points after hitting some shots in the fourth.

The Spartans end another terrific season with a record of 21-2.