The No. 9 ranked Keota Eagle boys basketball team rolled through their district opener at home Tuesday night, doubling up Twin Cedars 68-34. Keota took control early with a 13-0 run in the first quarter and wouldn’t give up the lead the rest of the night. The Eagles were hot from deep, knocking down nine three pointers in the first half, leading 20-7 after one quarter and 33-14 at the break.

Out of half, Keota continued the big offensive night, leading 54-23 after three and enacting the continuous clock in the fourth quarter. The Eagle defense was also impressive, forcing 21 Saber turnovers and outrebounding Twin Cedars by 16. Keota was led by Sam Sieren’s 21 points including five three point goals in the first half. He talked after the game about his shooting and the team’s night. “They came out in a triangle and two, focusing on Carson Sprouse and Luke Hammen so it was up to me and the other guys to come out and hit shots. I was able to step up and knock down some threes. We pride ourselves a lot on defense as well and we are going to have to continue working on that in the playoffs.”

Carson Sprouse scored 12 and Luke Hammen 11 making it an Eagle trio in double figures. With the win, Keota is now 19-2 on the year as they get ready for North Mahaska who was an 83-42 winner over Melcher Dallas in the opening round. The Eagles beat the Warhawks 51-50 during the regular season. The district semifinal is set for Thursday at 7p.m. in Keota.