Merrimack's Nate Johnson and the Tomahawks are off to a hot start this season after beating Spaulding on the road on Thursday night. (Telegraph file photo by TOM KING)

Thursday was a little bit like a Friday with some locals taking the hardwood, and it’s time to keep an eye on the Merrimack High School boys basketball team. The Tomahawks are now 3-0 with a win, as are the Nashua South girls. And Nashua North entered the win column for the first time.

Let’s take a look:

BOYS BASKETBALL

MERRIMACK 72, SPAULDING 68

Nate Johnson is off to a great start as he led the way for the ‘Hawks with 31 points. Chris Valluzi also was a spark, hitting three straight 3-pointers off the bench and senior Brody Towle had 14.

Merrimack is off to one of its best starts in several years and Johnson is averaging 24 points a game through the first three.

Merrimack will next take part in the Westford (Mass.) Winter Classic beginning on Saturday, Dec. 27. The ‘Hawks resume Divsion I play on Jan. 2.

DOVER 67, NASHUA NORTH 64

It was a heartbreaking loss for the Titans (0-3) who had trouble with the Green Wave’s Mike German (29 points, nine in OT). North, which was outscored 18-11 in the fourth quarter to send the game to OT, was led by Josh Sullivan and Andre Kargbo each with 14. Tyson Hoang had 12. North will next play in the Nashua Christmas Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 27 vs. Milford.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

NASHUA NORTH 60, DOVER 51

Dover’s Avery Littlefield hit for 36 points but that didn’t deter the Titans, who got 24 from Angie King, 14 by Lilly Small and 11 from Madelyn Tino.

North led 27-24 at the half and 45-38 after three as the Titans got their offense going for the first time this season.

Now 1-2, the Titans next play in the Nashua Christmas Tournament on Dec. 27 vs. Milford.

NASHUA SOUTH 56, TIMBERLANE 44

The Panthers won a gritty game on the road as Hailey Cote had 18 and Nicole De Jesus 13. Maggie Gallagher and Addie Borden each had nine.

South next plays in the Nashua Christmas Tournament vs. Alvirne.

KEENE 46, ALVIRNE 39

Lexi Floyd led the Broncos (1-2) with 12 points and Isabelle Haven Tate with eight, while the Blackbird won the game at the foul line. Alvirne next takes on South in the Nashua Christmas Tourney on Dec. 27

MERRIMACK 58, SPAULDING 42

After a tough two-point loss to Timberlane, the ‘Hawks responded with their first win of the season. They next play in the Derryfield Tournament next weekend, with their next Division I game on Jan. 6.