3A State Quarterfinal at Hutchinson Sports Arena on Wednesday, March 8th 

Nemaha Central 47, Humboldt 37

The defense and rebounding was terrific throughout the game and after shooting under 30 percent in the first half and giving up a 10-2 run to trail 18-15 at halftime, it was all Thunder in the second half in Hutchinson.  Nemaha Central scored the first 11 points in the third quarter and made 9 of 11 shots during the 20 point burst to advance to the 3A State Semifinals.  

Community National "Player to Bank On," Laura Macke, scored 17 of her 23 points in the second half, making all eight of her shots after intermission. Kaley Dalinghaus posted 10 of her 16 points after the break as Nemaha Central seemed to settle down in the last 16 minutes while forcing 24 turnovers in the game and dominating the glass against a very under-sized Humboldt squad.  Ashley Larkin had 10 rebound in the first half alone and Jacy Dalinghaus had eight assists and six steals to go along with her four points.  

Nemaha Central is now 21-3 on the season and will play at 3:00 PM on Friday in the semifinals against number one ranked and undefeated Hugoton, who cruised past Riley County 44-24 in the opening round.  Hays TMP and Cheney also advanced to the 3A Girls semifinals on Friday, while Humboldt ended their season with a 21-3 record in the second ever girls state tournament appearance (1990).