The Exira-EHK Spartans found a way to pull out a 46-42 win over IKM-Manning in a boys Class 1A District 15 Semifinal on Thursday night in Avoca. The game was tied at 39 late and the Spartans got a runner in the lane from Cash Emgarten to regain the lead and Trey Petersen buried a couple big free throws to seal the Spartan victory.

Aiden Flathers led the Spartans with 16 points, including a couple of big threes in the second half. Petersen had just three points, all at the line in the fourth quarter but he was excited for the chance to come through at the end.

Exira-EHK Head Coach Doug Newton thought his team got better on the boards as the game progressed and he was proud they found a way to win.

The Spartans improved to 15-8 on the season and advance to the District 15 Final next Tuesday night against AHSTW. That game will be played at Harlan at 7:00 p.m.

IKM-Manning was led by 15 points from Ross Kusel and 10 from Kristians Upmalis. The Wolves end the season at 7-16.