Tigers rally past Spartans, capture District title
Woodbine advanced to first Substate final since 1997
By Matt Gengler, Sports Editor
sports@missourivalleytimes.com
The Tigers would not be denied. After Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton took the regular season meetings, the third time didn’t prove to be a charm for the Spartans. Woodbine rallied from an 11-point second half deficit to steal a 56-49 win over Exira/EHK in the Class 1A District 16 final at Harlan.
Exira/EHK, who defeated Woodbine twice during the regular season in Rolling Valley Conference play, held possession of the ball and a slim 49-47 lead with under 1:30 remaining in the game. After a Tigers steal, Woodbine’s Carson Kelley netted his first three-point basket of the game to give the Tigers a lead they would not relinquish. Woodbine canned the free throws down the stretch, finishing the game on a 9-0 run.
Woodbine’s Carter Gruver (23 points) and Jax Pryor (18 points) led the Tigers’ offensive attack.
Class 1A, District 16 District Final
Feb. 20, 2024 @ Harlan
Exira/EHK (19-5) 12 19 13 5 49
Woodbine (22-2) 18 6 17 15 56
Scoring: Carter Gruver 23; Carson Kelley 3; Brody Pryor 8; Landon Blum 4; Jax Pryor 18.
Rebounds: Gruver 6; C. Kelley 3; B. Pryor 4; Blum 6; J. Pryor 9; Cody Dickinson 1; Gavin Kelley 1.
Assists: Gruver 3; C. Kelley 1; B. Pryor 3; Blum 1.
Steals: Gruver 3; C. Kelley 3; B. Pryor 3; Blum 2; J. Pryor 1.
Blocks: C.Kelley 1; Blum 2.
