It was an All-KCII area matchup in Thursday’s first round of the Class 1A Regional tournament when the Keota Eagles hosted the Hillcrest Academy Ravens. Keota took a 57-27 playoff win. The Eagles flew out to a fast start, up 19-3 after one and led 34-17 at the half. Keota won the second half 23-10, including a 14-4 fourth quarter. Keota collected 33 rebounds and 24 steals. On Saturday’s KCII Radio Coaches Corner, Eagle head coach Jeff Sprouse talked about the fast start and his team’s standouts. “(The fast start) was about taking care of the ball and getting to the basket. I thought the kids shared the ball well. In our half court defense we were able to turn them over. I thought Elyse Lyle did a fantastic job on (Claire) Withrow. We were able to get a couple of runouts and turn defense into offense. We were really balanced, Lyle had 10 points and eight rebounds. Jessalyn Aller had big rebounds. Emily Conger chipped in 10 points. Cameron Haifley ended up with 20. I thought Karley Greiner got on the floor and did all the glue work for us. Our seniors Kennedy Jackson and Dakota Dodd gave us strong minutes.”

Cameron Haifley led an Eagle trio in double figures with 20 points. Elyse Lyle and Emily Conger each had 10. Jessalyn Aller added eight rebounds. Keota is 17-5 with the win and advances to Tuesday’s quarterfinal at Highland. The Ravens end their season at 7-15. Hillcrest says goodbye to five seniors, Stavia Miller, Claire Withrow, Maria Portillo, Tara Poole and Niva Helmuth.