Nemaha Central knew their 3A State Semifinal against #1 ranked and undefeated Hugoton would take a monumental effort.  While the heart and hustle were there, the shots weren't falling and too many turnovers kept the Thunder from advancing to the Championship in Hutchinson, ultimetly losing 55-37.  

Four-time state qualifier Hugoton, got key three-pointers from Melissa Fabela off the bench to take a 16-10 lead at the end of one quarter and another to go ahead 30-21 at halftime.  The third period however was the difference as Nemaha Central went 2 of 11 from the floor and was outscored 15-6 to face an 18-point defecit entering the final frame.  

Laura Macke scored 8 of her 15 points in the fourth quarter and Kaley Dalinghaus added 10 before Nemaha Central fell to 21-4 on the season.  They had 22 turnovers in the game and shot only 36 percent, including 2-11 from behind the arc, while making their last four free throws to finish 9 of 19 total at the foul line.  The Thunder will vie for third place at noon Saturday when they try to end their season with a win against #2 seed Hays TMP (23-2), who fell 54-43 to Cheney.  The Nemaha Central game Saturday will be broadcast on KNZA 103.9 FM.  

Hugoton, now 25-0, advances the their second state championship game in the last three years after placing third in 4A D2 a season ago.  Kathryn Heger scored 20 points in the semifinal win while Fabela had 9 off the bench and Amy Scott and Sydney Heim each added 8.  The Eagles got 25 points off turnovers and 13 on their fast break while making five of their six trifecta's in the first half.  They have won all their games by at least nine points this season and are averaging 69 points per game.