All-State center Hallie Christofferson poured in 32 points and hauled down 20 rebounds as second ranked Exira got by Clinton Prince of Peace 63-57 in the class 1A opener. Exira took control by outscoring the Irish 19-13 in the second quarter then pulled away in the third. Christofferson says they came out shaky in the beginning and their coach told them at halftime they had to pick it up and that’s what they did.

Christofferson finished 12 of 17 from the field and the Vikettes move into the 1A semifinals in the school’s final year. This fall Exira will merge with the Elk Horn-Kimallton school district. She says this is just what they have been waiting for as a team in their last season and says they are not done yet and are going to keep going.

Katie Isenhour led Clinton Prince of Peace with 15 points. The Irish end the season with a record of 17-8.

Newel-Fonda’s pressure defense forced 31 Valley Community turnovers as the Mustangs cruised to a 59-40 victory in a class 1A quarterfinal round game. Susan Kies led Newell-Fonda with 21 points but says it was defense that carried the day. Kies says the Mustangs wanted to use the pressure to force the tempo, as she says they don’t have the height, so they wanted to get them to panic on defense.

Nineteen of Valley’s turnovers came in the opening half as they trailed 29-19 at the break. Valley coach Holly Mohs says they did a good job of trapping them in the corners and her team struggled with that pressure.

The Tigers complete their season with a record of 23-3. Mohs says noone really expected them to get to state and they have to hang their heads high, even though it is hard to lose and see the season go.