EXIRA 70, NEWELL-FONDA 58

Exira is making the most of its last appearance in the state tournament.

The second-ranked Vikettes got another big game from 6-foot-3 Hallie Christofferson and beat No. 6 Newell-Fonda 70-58 on Wednesday night to advance to the Class 1A state championship game.

Friday night's title contest will be the last basketball game for Exira because it will merge with Elk Horn-Kimballton when the current school year ends. But for now, the school is celebrating a chance to bring home a championship.

Christofferson topped 30 points for the second time in this tournament, finishing with 33 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks. She scored 32 in a first-round victory over Prince of Peace.

Exira had trouble with Newell-Fonda's pressing defense, but if the Vikettes broke the press and got the ball to Christofferson, she was almost automatic. Christofferson, who has signed with Iowa State, made 10 of 14 shots and went 13-for-15 on free throws.

Ann Walker added 21 points and handed out five assists for the Vikettes, who improved to 25-0. Chelsea Nelson had nine points and six rebounds, while reserve Courtney Peppers helped out on the boards with nine rebounds in just 11 minutes of action.

Susan Kies led Newell-Fonda with 23 points, Katelyn Laursen scored 15 and Jacki Peters collected 11 rebounds to go with five points. Kies had six of Newell-Fonda's 22 steals. Teammate Alisa Christensen made five steals, handed out four assists and scored nine points.

Newell-Fonda forced 29 turnovers in all and grabbed 23 offensive rebounds, but couldn't capitalize on its opportunities.

After trailing by as many as 13 points, Newell-Fonda made a run at the Vikettes at the start of the second half. The Mustangs outscored Exira 8-2 in less than a minute to cut the lead to 36-34. But Exira answered with a 10-0 run that included five points by Christofferson and was in control the rest of the way.

The Vikettes made only one field goal in the fourth quarter, then scored their final 20 points on free throws. They finished 28-for-40 at the line and had a 44-36 rebounding advantage.

Newell-Fonda, which was seeking a second trip to the state finals in three years, finishes 23-3.