Girls - Hiawatha over Rossville 70-62
    The Hiawatha Redhawks defeated the Rossville Bulldawgs in an exciting game on Friday, January 10th, with a score of 70-62. After struggling against Big East foes Silver Lake and Holton around the winter break, Hiawatha was eager to get back on track and did just that. With this win, the Redhawks improved to 4-3, while the Bulldawgs fell to 3-3.
    The game was intense from the start, with both teams battling it out for control. Hiawatha took a narrow lead of 19-17 at the end of the first quarter, and they gradually extended that margin to 36-28 at halftime. The Bulldawgs had a tough second quarter, scoring only 11 points and dealing with some foul trouble, which forced them to rely on their bench earlier than usual.
    Sophomore Kylie Nelson shone for Hiawatha, leading the team with 24 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out two assists and two steals. Senior Alija Contreras also made an impact with 19 points, four rebounds, five assists, and an impressive six steals. Alija Contreras had some words to share after their win; “Not only did the Lady Redhawks win this game, but the team showed up that day to show the community what we can do for one another. It seemed as though a completely different squad arrived that day to show the public that we are a team that plays for more than just a win. As for ourselves, we have worked hard to get better every day. For a fresh team that is prepared to put up their best effort, that game was only the beginning of what we have left to finish. That entire game, our chemistry was just there to win us the game; the shots, the celebrations, the atmosphere, everything about that game pushed us to be the best team that night and come out stronger than before with a win.” 
    For Rossville, it was the combination of junior Rylee Dick and sophomore Nora Burdiek that stood out. Burdiek exploded for 31 points, while Dick contributed 25 points. In a nail-biting fourth quarter, Burdiek fouled out with just under two minutes to go, but Rylee Dick stepped up big time, scoring her highest point streak of the game as the Bulldawgs made a final push.
    Looking ahead, the Rossville Bulldawgs will aim to bounce back on their home court against the 4-2 Riley County Falcons on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Hiawatha Redhawks are set to face the 3-3 Jefferson West Tigers next Friday, January 17th.

Boys - Hiawatha over Rossville 57-55
    Last Friday, the Hiawatha Redhawks pulled off a huge upset, beating the previously fifth-ranked Rossville Bulldawgs 57-55. It was a crazy game that showed the Redhawks have what it takes to compete with any team in the Big East. The Redhawks were 1-5, while Rossville was 4-1 coming into the game.
    Cameron Boswell was on fire in the first half, hitting four three-pointers and giving Hiawatha an early lead. They led 16-8 after the first quarter and 32-22 at halftime.
    Rossville, led by Jack Donovan's 18 points, Kameron Badura's 11 points, and Andre Johnson's 10 points, fought back hard. But Hiawatha kept their advantage, with Cameron Boswell scoring 18 points and Lane Kesler adding 13. 
    The fourth quarter was action-packed. Thanks to Badura and Johnson, Rossville made a late run and had a slight lead. But some key free throws by Michael Jensen and Lane Kesler put Hiawatha back on top.
Then came the drama. With Hiawatha up 55-52, Donovan hit a clutch three-pointer to tie the game. But Jensen wasn't done. He drove the length of the court and scored a defended right-handed layup to give Hiawatha the lead again. The Redhawks played terrific defense without fouling in the final seconds to secure the victory after already suffering four tight losses by four points or less this season.  
    If you missed the action, you can rewatch both games on the Hiawatha Channel on the MSCSports website.