The Exira-EHK Spartans used a 21-6 third quarter advantage to secure a win over the Audubon Wheelers 61-45 on Tuesday night. It was a tight first half with the Spartans leading by just 5 at halftime 26-21. The Spartans then ripped off a 19-4 run to start the third quarter and grab a comfortable lead that lasted the rest of the way.

The Spartans got 19 points from 6-7 senior Dakota Rold to lead the win. After the game Rold said they talked at halftime about keeping the intensity high in the second half and it payed off.

Fellow senior Cole Burmeister added 14 points in the win. Burmeister said when they play strong defense that is what really makes the Spartans offense go, and that happened in the second half.

The Spartans improved to 21-2 on the season and will get a chance to avenge those two losses on Thursday. The Spartans will take on the Ar-We-Va Rockets in the Class 1A District 15 Final on Thursday night in Manning. The Rockets handed the Spartans the only blemishes on their record. Burmeister said they are excited for the opportunity to play them again.

Audubon got 22 points from senior Tate Killeen as his terrific career comes to an end along with Noah Muzney and Lane Lawson. The Wheelers ended the season with a 16-7 record.

The Spartans and Rockets game on Thursday night will be a 7:00pm tip and we will have coverage on KJAN with pregame starting about 6:45pm.