The Mid-Prairie Golden Hawk girls basketball team opened the 3A regional tournament Saturday with a 52-25 win over the Tipton Tigers. After a fast start from Tipton that saw them put up the game’s first five points, Mid-Prairie settled in, and clamped down. The Golden Hawks scored 32 consecutive points and held the Tigers scoreless for the next 17 minutes of game action, leading 8-5 after the first quarter and 27-5 at half. The lead was 20 going to the fourth quarter before the Golden Hawks put the game away with a 16-9 run that lasted the entire fourth quarter. After the game, Mid-Prairie seniors Maddie Nonnenmann and Cana Rediger joined the KCII postgame show to talk about the win. Nonnenmann said, “We’re just kind of in the moment. I usually don’t notice specific stats. I think we were more aware of where girls were going to be after we saw their offense for a little while. Turnovers are another step in getting us those wins. We are a pretty good defensive team and those turnovers are essential for us to win games and our anticipation was very good tonight.”

Rediger added, “We worked together to do as best we can. We played our best tonight when we were hustling and talking on defense. On offense, slowing down is important. Working together, waiting to get the open shot, not rushing.”

The Hawks had 32 total rebounds, 15 steals and 13 assists in the win. Maddie Nonnenmann led the way with 16 points and added eight rebounds and six blocks. The Golden Hawks are now 14-8 and move to the regional semifinals Wednesday where they will host the West Burlington Falcons who were a 60-19 winner over Camanche Saturday. You can hear all of the action live Wednesday night between the Golden Hawks and the Falcons from Tim Grady Gymnasium in Wellman, beginning with the Washington HyVee Pregame Show at 6:30 and tip at 7p.m on AM 1380, FM 102.5 and KCIIradio.com.