The Hiawatha girls basketball team continued its perfect start to the season Friday night, using a dominant late-game surge to pull away from Jefferson West for a 55-43 home victory.

The Class 3A No. 9 Redhawks improved to 11-0 overall and 4-0 in Big East League play, remaining unbeaten thanks to an 11-1 run in the fourth quarter that broke open what had been a tightly contested game.

Hiawatha held a slim 39-34 advantage midway through the final period as Jefferson West repeatedly threatened to close the gap. The Tigers created several opportunities to make it a one-possession game but were unable to capitalize, and the Redhawks made them pay on the other end. Following those missed chances, Hiawatha turned up the defensive pressure and found its rhythm offensively, rattling off the decisive 11-1 run to put the game out of reach.

Turnovers proved costly for Jefferson West, which finished with 25 giveaways on the night. Hiawatha took advantage of those miscues, converting them into key transition baskets that fueled the late separation.

Kylie Nelson earned KNZA Player of the Game honors after leading all scorers with 21 points while also pulling down eight rebounds. Nelson delivered when it mattered most, scoring 13 of her points in the second half, including eight in the fourth quarter. Her pair of timely three-pointers during the decisive run helped swing momentum firmly in Hiawatha’s favor.

The Redhawks also received strong scoring balance, with Kenzie Nelson adding 12 points and Michaela Williams contributing 10 points to give Hiawatha three players in double figures.

Jefferson West, now 7-4 overall and 4-4 in league play, was led by Addison Schwinn, who finished with 13 points and six rebounds. Emmie Dean added 10 points and five rebounds for the Tigers. Brynlee Koontz, who entered the game averaging more than 20 points per contest, was held to just four points, though she did contribute eight rebounds.

With the win, Hiawatha showcased both its depth and defensive toughness down the stretch, continuing to establish itself as one of the top teams in Class 3A as the season progresses.