The Exira-EHK girls basketball team opened up a Friday doubleheader with a 56-49 win over the Cam Cougars. In addition to being CAM’s senior night, it was also a pink out that both teams and the community showed out for.  On the floor, it was a close game that seemed to go back and forth for much of the contest. However, the Spartans were able to pull away in the fourth quarter to secure their sixteenth win of the season.

In the first quarter, it was the offenses that showed out. Both teams combined for 37 points, which was as much as the next two quarters combined. Once again, Taryn Petersen led the way for the Spartans. Petersen knocked down a pair of field goals and a three-pointer to finish the opening frame with nine points. Although the Spartans built a five-point lead, the Cougars responded. Ailey Wahlert knocked down three of her five first-half field goals in the opening quarter. However, Exira-EHK squeezed out of the first quarter with a three-point lead. The offenses slowed down in the second quarter. However, it was CAM that would grab the edge, outscoring the Spartans 12-8. In part due to an Ada Hansen bucket just before the buzzer, the Cougars took a 29-28 lead to the half.

Offense was once again at a premium in the third quarter. It was the lowest-scoring frame of the game, featuring just 17 combined points. Out of the gate, CAM seemed determined to extend the lead. Although both teams found themselves in foul trouble,  a pair of Cougars found themselves with four fouls halfway through the period and were forced to sit. CAM’s bench did a phenomenal job of holding down the fort. However, Exira-EHK started to find their stride again. Taryn Petersen scored 17 points in the second half and finished the game with a game-leading 30 points. With help from Jaelynn Petersen and Riley Miller, the Spartans were able to build a sizable lead late in the fourth. CAM battled to the very end, with Maddie Richter leading the Cougars with 17 points. Despite the effort, it would not be enough as Exira-EHK pulled away with their fifth win in six games. Head coach Tom Petersen was pleased that his team found a way to win despite not playing their best.

Great play is not always linked to points as a bright spot for coach Petersen was the play of Riley Miller.

As the playoffs are fast approaching and with matchups already set, coach Petersen says his team’s focus will need to be on their defense.

Each team will close out their 2024-25 campaign next week before heading into the postseason. The Cougars will wrap up the season on the road Monday against Ar-We-Va before returning home to face Griswold in the first round on Thursday. For the Spartans, they will play a final game against Newell-Fonall next week. They will also return home to face Underwood in the first round on the 18th.