The #5 in 3A Hiawatha Lady Redhawks had an historic night as they traveled to Big East foe St. Marys on Friday and beat the Bears 76-29. The Redhawks had a "shooters' mentality" from the opening tip, shattering multiple school records and setting the stage for a massive league title showdown next week.

The contest opened from behind the arc, as Hiawatha exploded for 30 points in the first quarter alone. Five different Redhawks connected on three-pointers in the frame, including three from Kylie Nelson and two from Michaela Williams. Pauly Rockey, Laura Lierz, and Adison Williams each added a triple of their own to help Hiawatha jump out to a commanding 30-5 lead. St. Marys had 6 turnovers in the first quarter alone as they struggled to beat Hiawatha’s press.

Hiawatha’s momentum showed no signs of slowing in the second period as the team added six more makes from deep. Before the halftime break, the Redhawks had already recorded 14 team three-pointers, officially breaking the previous school record of 13 set in 2022. Hiawatha held a 51-13 advantage going into the third. 

The Redhawks stayed hot in the second half, extending the lead to 69-19 by the end of the third quarter. However, the Bears were able to connect for a couple of threes in the second half and get down the court easier to start an offense. Still, the fourth quarter had a running clock, allowing Hiawatha to clear the bench.

For St. Marys in the loss, Veronica Hutley led the Bears with 10 points, 2 rebounds, and a steal. Emma Foster and Brianna Figge each 6 points and three rebounds. Karsyn Pauli & Lexie Carlson each had 3 points, while Jade Brees pitched in 2 points herself. As a team, they had 12 turnovers, 1 3-pointer, and went 5/12 from the free throw line. 

Hiawatha’s performance was headlined by three broken or tied records. Kylie Nelson led all scorers with 25 points, tying the single-game record with seven made three-pointers (tying 2022's Clara Lindstrom) and breaking the single-season record for made threes, which now stands at 56 (passing 2023's Abby Elffner's 52). Adison Williams also etched her name in the books, tying the school record for assists in a single game with eight (tying 2010's Jackie Coelho & 2017's Molly Kettler.) Defensively, Kenzie Nelson dominated the glass with 15 rebounds in just three quarters of play, her 11th double-digit rebounding night of the season.

Kylie Nelson finished with 25 points, four rebounds, and four steals to lead Hiawatha. Pauly Rockey and Michaela Williams each added 12 points, while Adison Williams had eight points and eight assists. Laura Lierz tallied six points, Remy Siebenmorgen and Deja Beck both scored five, and Claire Twombly added two points and seven rebounds. As a team, the Redhawks shot a scorching 48.5% from behind the line, hitting 17-of-35 three-point attempts.

With the win, the Lady Redhawks improved to 17-2 overall, and 8-1 in league play, to have a chance for the Big East League title. They will host Silver Lake on Thursday in a winner-take-all championship contest at the Roundhouse. Hiawatha will first host Sabetha in a non-league matchup on Tuesday.

St. Marys falls to 1-18, 0-10 in league play, and will play Riley County at home Tuesday.