The Exira-EHK Spartans poured in 9 threes in the first half and blitzed their way back into the 1A State Tournament with a 63-47 win over Stanton on Wednesday night in Atlantic. Quinn Grubbs nailed 4 of those threes in the opening half and finished with a game-high 25 points to lead the win. Grubbs said it was their great passing that got everyone in rhythm.

The Spartans led by 8 at the end of the first quarter and blew the lead out to 31-16 by half. A great possession before the end of the half all but sealed up the momentum in the Spartans favor. After using a good chunk of clock Shay Burmeister drove the baseline and found Mollie Rasmussen in the opposite corner for a three that sent the Spartan faithful into a frenzy. Rasmussen finished with 12 points and she talked about the thrill of advancing.

The Spartans had their best stuff when they needed it and Head Coach Tom Petersen was elated for his team.

Shay Burmeister had another strong game with 13 points, including three long-balls in the first half. She was filled with joy getting to return to State.

The Spartans improved to 23-1 on the season and get to play in the 1A State Tournament for the second straight season. They made it to the semifinals last season and Coach Petersen said it’s a loaded field this year but his team will be hungry to compete.

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Stanton was led by 18 points from Jenna Stephens, 16 of those coming in the second half. The Viqueens suffer their first loss of the season and end the year at 24-1.

We’ll have coverage of Exira-EHK at the State Tournament on KJAN.