The Nemaha Central Lady Thunder basketball team battled Hiawatha on Thursday, November 21. The Lady Thunder team traveled to Hiawatha to play against the Redhawks. Due to the number of athletes participating from Hiawatha, there was only an 8th grade A-team and a 7th grade A-team game.
In the first quarter of the 8th grade A-team game, the Thunder team made three free throws along with two baskets, giving the Thunder a lead of 7-2. NC upped their defense, not allowing any points to be scored by the Redhawks in the second quarter. The Thunder team scored eight points in the quarter to take a 15-2 lead at halftime.
After halftime, the Redhawks battled with NC, racking up eight points. NC fought right back scoring nine points, keeping their lead at the end of the third quarter with a score of 24-10. NC was hot in the final quarter with some great offensive plays and quick steals. They scored fifteen points in the quarter, while the Redhawks only scored seven points. The final score of the game was 39-17, with the Thunder team taking the victory.
Kate Heinen said, “We played well, winning by over twenty points. It was a great win that we needed.”
NC started the game out shaky in the 7th grade A-team game. They only scored three points in the first quarter, while the Redhawks scored six points. The scoring was very similar in the second quarter as NC added 4 points and the Redhawks again outscored them making seven points. At the end of the second quarter, the score was 7-13, the Redhawks had the lead.
The Thunder team played some amazing defense in the third quarter. They were determined to make a comeback in the game. The NC girls made three points in the third quarter while holding the Redhawks scoreless, making the score 10-13. The NC girls had the momentum and held the Redhawks scoreless again in the fourth quarter. NC managed to make every free throw count as they made 6 to claim the win. The final score was 16-13, with a well deserved Thunder win.
Carli Rottinghaus said, “The Redhawks improved a lot, and it was a tough game, but with the support of our teammates, we came out with a win.”
Click this link to see some pictures from the 8th and 7th grade A-team games.