The hilltop in Meriden was center stage to a Big 7 League doubleheader Friday night with Hiawatha sweeping a pair of game from the host Jeff West Tigers.

GIRLS

The girl’s game was by far the best game of the night between the two teams that are predicted to be at the top of the league and Hiawatha did enough to grind out a 38-36 victory.

The Redhawks started fast and led 11-5 after the first quarter with Clara Lidstrom, Josie Delaney, Darcy Lierz, and Sarah Madsen each recording baskets.

Hiawatha extended their lead to as many as 13 points in the second quarter and appeared to be poised to run away, but Jeff West went on an 11-0 run to pull within 23-20 at the break with Kristen Biltoft notching eight points in that stretch.

The Tigers continued their strong play through the third quarter taking a 38-37 lead in the fourth, but Lindstrom of the Redhawks hit clutch free throws down the stretch going 5-of-7 from the line in the final frame to seal the win for Hiawatha.

Lindstrom was named the Player of the Game on KNZA for her efforts as she scored a game-high 17 points to lead Hiawatha (3-0) while Madsen added nine.

Jeff West (1-2) was led in the loss by Biltoft who scored 14 points while Kinley Stones added nine.

BOYS

The boy’s game was not as close as Hiawatha used a 21-point third quarter to pull away for a convincing 68-34 victory.

Jeff West got off to a great start though leading 9-4 midway through the first quarter before Hiawatha had five different players score to take a 14-11 lead after one.

The Tigers continued to hang around midway through the second quarter, but Hiawatha took control behind an 11-0 run to push their lead to 36-23 at the half as Carson Gilbert notched 18 first half points.

Gilbert then scored 12 more points in the third quarter to help the Redhawks put the game away and build a 24-point lead going into the fourth quarter before eventually gaining a running clock two minutes in.

Gilbert had a career night for Hiawatha (3-0) scoring 34 points on three 3-pointers which earned him Player of the Game honors on KNZA while Joel Bryan added 15.

Jeff West (0-3) was led in the loss by Devin Watkins who scored 13 points.

Next up for Hiawatha is a road game at Nemaha Central next Tuesday while Jeff West will host Holton.