In the noon third place game Saturday afternoon in Class 3A State Tournament in Hutchinson, the Nemaha Central girls played one of their best offensive games of the season. The Thunder shot 48 percent from the field in their third highest scoring game of the year. Yet, free throw shooting proved to be the difference as Nemaha went 4 of 6 at the stripe and Hays TMP made 23 of 27 foul shots to claim a 63-57 win and the third place trophy.

The battle featured high energy and effeciency from both teams that had lost on Friday and a total of 11 ties and 9 lead changes took place with neither team leading by more than seven points.  The Monarchs however held a 31-27 advantage at halftime and made 16 of 19 free throws in the last 16 minutes after a tie game at 43 entering the fourth quarter to secure their second straight 3A third place medals.  Kayla Vitztum scored 20 points and was 10 of 12 at the foul line while Madyson Koerner scored 12 of her 17 points in the second quarter and Megan Koenigsman came on late with 10 of her 12 points in the final frame, including make 7 of 8 free throws.  The Monarchs ended their season 24-2.

Nemaha Central got a season high 20 points from Kaley Dalinghaus as the senior closed out her career in style adding 9 rebounds and a couple blocks.  Dalinghaus scored 46 points in the trio of state contests while Laura Macke led the Thunder with 56 total points at state, including 18 in the final tilt on Saturday.  Alleigh Kramer added 9 of the bench to finish her freshman campaign and Nemaha Central ended the year with a 21-5 record.  They will return four starters next year after making state and placing fourth for the first time in the programs short three-year history.