One of the best rivalries across Northeast Kansas took place Tuesday night as Nemaha Central hosted Sabetha, and the two teams came away with a split as the Thunder girls remained perfect with an exciting 40-37 win while the Sabetha boys won going away 54-34.

GIRLS

The first game of the night turned out to be the most exciting one, as the Nemaha Central girls remained unbeaten on the year with a 40-37 win thanks to a game-winning shot from sophomore Riley Rottinghaus.

Both teams started out strong offensively but it was Nemaha Central who had six different players score in the first quarter to take a 19-12 lead after one.

The scoring died down considerably in the second quarter, as each team was only able to score five points giving the Thunder a 24-17 lead at the half.

Out of the halftime break Nemaha Central seemed to take control holding a 10 point lead after a 3-pointer to start the quarter by sophomore Hannah Macke, but that would turn out to be the only points for the Thunder in the quarter.

Sabetha used their defense to get back into the game in that third quarter, as the Lady Jays forced three turnovers and gave up just three points to pull within 27-24 heading into the fourth.

The Lady Jays continued their strong play into the fourth quarter taking a three point lead late on a 3-pointer by Hillary Krebs, but Nemaha Central was able to tie the game at 37 on a three-point play by junior Alleigh Kramer.

The Thunder finally took the lead for good on a short jumper from sophomore Riley Rottinghaus with just over 10 seconds left, and after free throw by Nemaha Central the Lady Jays had one more chance to tie with three seconds left.

Sabetha (5-3, 3-3 Big 7) got a great look at the buzzer as Hillary Krebs had a wide open 3-point attempt, but she had to rush the shot which caused a miss giving the Thunder the victory.

Nemaha Central (8-0, 6-0 Big 7) was able to overcome 11 turnovers in the game as they hit four 3-pointers while going 9-of-17 from the free throw line.

Nemaha Central: Alleigh Kramer – 9, Ashley Hammes – 6, Aydan Bass – 6, Jacy Dalinghaus – 5, Hannah Macke – 4, Ashley Larkin – 4, Riley Rottinghaus – 4, Emma Elder – 3.

Sabetha: Skylar McAfee – 11, Hillary Krebs – 8, Melinna Schumann – 4, Leah Renyer – 4, Maggi Hughes – 3, Jessica Payne – 3, Payton Michael – 2, Trista Argabright – 2.

BOYS

While the girls game was as exciting as they come the guys game turned out to be a rout as 3A No. 2 Sabetha beat down Nemaha Central in the second half to win going away 54-34.

The Thunder kept it close early trailing by just two after the first quarter, but Sabetha used a 13-6 second quarter and six points from junior Gabe Garber to take a 26-17 lead into halftime.

Sabetha extended their lead to 13 points after three, as senior Braeden Cox recorded seven of his game-high 22 points in the third giving the Bluejays a 39-26 lead heading into the fourth before a 15-8 fourth gave Sabetha the 20 point win.

The Bluejays forced 13 Nemaha Central turnovers in the win, led by Cox’s 22 points while Garber chipped in nine.

Sabetha (8-0, 6-0 Big 7) now turn their attention to Perry Lecompton at home Friday, while Nemaha Central (5-3, 3-3) will host Jeff West Friday with live coverage on 92.1 KMZA.

Sabetha: Braeden Cox – 22, Gabe Garber – 9, Jesse Burger – 6, Joe Gruber – 6, Marcus Funk – 5, Mason Spellmeier – 3, Henry Glynn – 3.

Nemaha Central: Matt Baumgartner – 14, Dalton Schmelzle – 10, Bryce Uphaus – 5, Cole Kramer – 3, Eric Hammes – 2.