The rematch goes to MMCRU.
In a repeat pairing from last year’s Class 1A quarterfinals, fourth-seeded MMCRU jumped out early and beat fifth-seeded Exira-EHK 50-39 to move on to Friday’s semifinal round.
The Royals (25-1) turned the tables after losing to the Spartans 60-55 in the quarterfinal round a year ago. A fast start did the trick.
MMCRU made six of its first eight shots, including three 3-pointers, in bolting to a 15-2 lead less than 4 minutes into the game. The Royals were up 17-7 at the end of the quarter and the Spartans never found enough office to cut into that lead.
Exira-EHK managed only six field goals in the first half and shot 29.4 percent for the game.
Emily Dreckman led the winners with 18 points, six rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Taylor Harpenau and Mya Holmes each scored nine points and Ellie Hilbrands added eight points to go with 13 rebounds. Holmes complemented her scoring with six rebounds, three blocks and two steals.
Quinn Grubbs and Mollie Rasmussen led Exira-EHK (22-2) with 11 points each. Macy Emgarten added eight points and eight rebounds for the Spartans, whose only other loss was to Class 2A semifinalist Panorama in late January.
This was Exira-EHK’s sixth trip to state in the last eight years and only the second time the Spartans failed to reach the semifinals in that span.
Last year’s trip to state was the first for MMCRU, which has lost only to Unity Christian, the top-ranked team and defending champion in Class 3A.
The Royals will face another major challenge when they return to Wells Fargo Arena for their semifinal game. The opponent is No. 1-ranked Newell-Fonda, which is seeking its fourth consecutive state championship and rolled over North Mahaska 77-44 in its quarterfinal. They’ll meet Friday at 1:30 p.m.