The Hiawatha girls basketball team faced a new situation Friday night at home, playing its first game of the season following a loss.

The Lady Redhawks entered the contest with a 13-1 record, their only defeat coming in the championship game of the Thunder Classic last week against 4A #7 Rock Creek. Perry-Lecompton came to town hoping to snap a 10-game losing streak against Hiawatha, and the Kaws pushed the Redhawks for four quarters before Hiawatha rallied late to secure a 53-47 victory.

Hiawatha opened the game strong, taking a 16-9 lead after the first quarter. Perry-Lecompton responded with solid play on both ends, outscoring the Redhawks 12-8 in the second quarter and 15-10 in the third to take a 36-34 advantage heading into the final period.

The Redhawks saved their best offensive stretch for the fourth quarter, scoring 19 points over the final eight minutes to regain control and seal the win. The victory marked Hiawatha’s 11th straight win over Perry-Lecompton and kept the Redhawks undefeated in Big East League play at 5-0.

Kylie Nelson was named the KNZA Player of the Game after finishing with 17 points and four rebounds. Michaela Williams added 13 points and seven rebounds, while Adison Williams contributed 12 points and five rebounds. Kenzie Nelson did not score but made a significant impact on the glass, pulling down an unofficial 16 rebounds. As a team, Hiawatha collected 36 rebounds and connected on nine three-pointers. The two teams combined for 45 turnovers, leading to a fast-paced and occasionally sloppy game.

Perry-Lecompton fell to 8-9 overall and 3-5 in league play but had several opportunities to pull off the upset. Sophomore Tatum Calovich led the Kaws with 15 points, while Emmy Reed scored nine and Jolie Corcoran added eight. Leading scorer and rebounder Macie Corcoran, limited by an ankle injury, came off the bench and provided a spark with seven points.