The Silver Lake boys basketball team closed the game on a dramatic 9–0 run in the final minute Friday night, rallying past Nemaha Central for a 52–48 Big East League road victory.

Nemaha Central appeared in control after coming out of a timeout with a 48–43 lead and just over one minute remaining. Silver Lake responded quickly as Hunter Rooks buried a three-pointer to pull the Eagles within 48–46. On the made shot, Nemaha Central was called for a foul underneath the basket, giving Silver Lake the ball once again.

That extra possession proved pivotal. Dayne Johnson converted a three-point play, and after the made free throw, the Eagles had surged ahead 49–48 in a span of just 20 seconds.

Silver Lake’s defense then clamped down, forcing multiple stops down the stretch. Johnson sealed the comeback at the free-throw line in the closing seconds.

Johnson led all scorers with 25 points, adding seven rebounds while shooting 8-of-10 from the free-throw line. Rooks finished with nine points, and Grady Bergmann contributed seven points and six rebounds.

Nemaha Central was led by Kalem Schmelzle’s 24-point performance. Layton Thomas added nine points, and Carter Hajek scored six.

With the win, Class 3A No. 7 Silver Lake improved to 13–4 overall and remained unbeaten in Big East League play at 8–0. Nemaha Central dropped to 7–11 overall and 3–5 in league action.