Looking for first win of 2014 the Nemaha Valley Raiders traveled to Carbondale for a date with Santa Fe Trail in a Big Seven League showdown and it was the Raider boys gaining a 74-41 win, while the Lady Raiders fell just short with as Santa Fe Trail held on for a 45-39 win.

Nemaha Valley girls started the game and night strong leading 9-7 after the first quarter and holding the top two Charger scorers scoreless in the first period, but the Santa Fe Trail found a groove on offense in the second quarter and stymied the Raiders. Chargers used a 18-5 second quarter to lead by 11 at the half 25-14.

The Raiders down by the widest margin of the game weren't down and out of the game as junior, Jaci Swart scored all six of her points in the third quarter and helped Nemaha Valley close to within five points after a 15-9 quarter. Nemaha Valley continued to cut into the lead throughout the fourth quarter getting to within three points multiple times but down the stretch as Santa Fe Trail staved the Raiders off to remain unbeaten and get the 45-39 win at home.

In the loss Nemaha Valley was led by sophomore, Rachel Baumgartner off the bench with 10 points earning her the Community National Bank "Player to Bank On" honors on KMZA in the loss. Kennedy McKernan added nine points on the night and Moriah Rottinghaus chipped in seven as the Raiders fell to 4-3 on the year with the loss.

Santa Fe Trail was led by senior, Shelby Dahl who had a game high 16 points, while Bri Beckman added 11 points on the day as the Chargers the number one team in 4A-Division remained unbeaten improving to 6-0.

The boy’s game was all Nemaha Valley as they used their depth and a fast start to outduel Santa Fe Trail on the court for the 74-41 win.

Raiders shot out of the gate with a 17-9 first quarter and propelled themselves to a 37-23 lead at the half as 13 different players saw action in the game with 12 guys playing significant time throughout the game and notching as least two points, too.

Nemaha Valley continued throughout the game to establish the inside and dominate the boards on both sides of the ball to cruise to the road win after only winning by five at Carbondale last year. Raiders were led by senior, Caleb Meyer who tallied 14 points, while Nemaha Valley added plenty of other scorers with a balanced act. Junior, Abe Elder chipped in 11 points and started the Raiders off strong with seven of his points in the first quarter to earn the Community National Bank "Player to Bank On" honors on KMZA. Isaac McWilliams added 10 points, Evan Hermesch chipped in nine points and Matt Haverkamp scored eight points.

Raiders with the win improved to 6-1 on the season notching the win after suffering their first loss of the season.

Santa Fe Trail in the loss was hurt by their lack of depth but senior, Chase Logan lead the way for the Chargers with 20 points as Santa Fe Trail fell to 2-4 on the season.

The Chargers next hit the court Tuesday when they play host to Perry Lecompton and Nemaha Valley heads home for a date on Tuesday with Riverside.