The Nemaha Central Thunder picked up two key road wins at Big 7 League foe Hiawatha on Tuesday night at the Roundhouse. 

Girls: Nemaha Central 44, Hiawatha 41

This game was tight in the first quarter as Nemaha Central led 15-14 going into the second quarter. 

The Thunder would dominate on the defensive end in the second quarter holding the Redhawks to just three points to take a 25-17 halftime lead. 

Hiawatha would bounce back after halftime and score the first eight points of the third quarter to tie the game and from there it was close to the end. 

McKynsey Henry hit a big three for the Thunder with 45 seconds left to give them a four point lead but Hiawatha wouldn't go away. 

Leading by two with around 20 seconds left, Nemaha Central missed a free throw and Ella Larkin secured the offensive rebound to force another foul to get more free throw's from Addy Holthaus. Holthaus went one for two and Hiawatha had a chance down three for the last shot. 

The Thunder defense was solid on the last possession holding Hiawatha to a deep range two that didn't fall as time expired. 

Thunder improve to 10-4 overall and 6-2 in Big 7 League play while Hiawatha dropped to 12-2 and also 6-2 in Big 7 League play. Both of these teams are tied with Jefferson West in the loss column at the top of the league standings. 

Boys: Nemaha Central 71, Hiawatha 51

This game was back and forth in the first quarter with multiple lead changes. The game was tied at 14 after the first eight minutes. 

The Thunder would outscore the Redhawks 14-8 in the second quarter to take a 28-22 lead at halftime. 

The second half was dominated by the Thunder as they would outscore Hiawatha 43-29 to take the 20 point win. 

Nemaha Central posted three players in double-figures led by Kurtis Beck's 14 points and eight rebounds. Cole Hermesch added 13 points and seven rebounds while Marcus Beck added 11 points. 

The Redhawks posted two players in double-figures with Joel Bryan and Mario Alcalde each with 11 points. 

Nemaha Central outrebounded Hiawatha 35-22. Thunder improve to 13-1 and 7-1 in Big 7 League play while Hiawatha dropped to 6-8 overall and 2-6 in Big 7 League play. 

Up next for both, Nemaha Central hosts Perry Lecompton on Friday while Hiawatha is back at home against Jefferson West.