It was, “Ladies, start your engines,” Wednesday night when the North Mahaska Warhawks played host to the HLV Warriors. For the Warhawks it was full throttle all the way as they gave their best impression of “Bumper Car Basketball,” in a 54-39 win over the Warriors.

Intense pressure along with a blistering fast break allowed North Mahaska to cash in for several easy break away baskets and the defense kept HLV in check most of the evening. And the North Mahaska quickness got the Warriors into serious foul trouble by halftime.

The Warhawks used the fast break to pull away from a 9-8 lead in the first period and take a 16-10 lead going into the second stanza. Acacia LaRue got a pair of fast break buckets and Tara Smith added another break away basket in the surge.

In the second quarter, the North Mahaska speed got them to the free throw line often and, while the percentage was not real good, allowed the Warhawks to maintain the six-point lead. In the final minutes for the quarter, Morgan Fleener threw in a three-point shot and LaRue nailed an inside basket to send the team into intermission with a 31-21 lead.

In the third quarter it was all about defense as North Mahaska out scored the foe 12-3 to take a 43-24 lead into the final frame. Hannah Ferguson came up big with a pair of long balls and LaRue worked free for three baskets in the lane.

Smith put a rebound back early in the final period to build the lead to 20 points at 45-25. The Warriors tried to close the gap with Misty Schafbuch leading the way, but a three ball by Ferguson with 2:33 remaining put the game out of sight at 50-32.

Warhawk coach L.E. Moore is liking the things he sees his club do.

“This was a real good win for us,” Moore said. “They are beginning to trust the fast break and we can run. The team is beginning to realize what their strengths are and play to them. There are good things ahead for this team and good things are happening now.”

LaRue led a trio of Warhawks in double digits with 16 points while Smith added 13 and Ferguson scored 12 points. Smith completed a double-double with 10 rebounds and LaRue added nine boards. Ferguson had a team high six steals.

Crystal McClenathan led HLV with 16 points and Paige Simmons added nine.

The Warhawks are now 4-5 and will take the road Friday for a South Iowa Cedar League battle and Saturday they will have a make up contest at English Valleys at 3 p.m.

North Mahaska 54, HLV 39

HLV 10 11 3 15 — 39

NM 16 15 12 11 — 54