VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – With five games left in the regular season, every game becomes a big game. And if the Valley City girls basketball team wants a home play-in game, doing well in these final handful of games is crucial. Tuesday night, step one complete with a 59-45 win over Fargo North at the Spartandome.

The Hi-Liners used a 10-0 run in the first half to open up a nine point lead, then had to hold off Fargo North and cling to a three point lead at the break. Dylann Diegel came off the bench to score eight points in the half to help the Hi-Liners maintain the lead.

Brooke Eggermont dominated the second half by scoring 13 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in the second 18 minutes, including 5 for 5 from the free throw line.  Eggermont finished with 16 point and 17 rebounds for her second straight double-double. Jadyn Dieterle had 16 points and five assists for the Hi-Liners.

The Hi-Liners outrebounded the Spartan 24-14 in the second half. Head coach Jimmy Howard says that was a point of emphasis coming out of the locker room.

 

The Hi-Liners shot 60 percent from the free throw line and coach Howard says those missed free throws were but in the end not a killer.

Jennie Sem led the Spartans with 11 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out. Grace Miller added 10 points and seven rebounds for the Spartans who fall to 1-13 in the Eastern Dakota Conference and 1-14 overall.

The Hi-Liners snapped a three game losing streak and improve to 6-8 in the EDC and 7-9 overall and in seventh place in the conference. Coach Howard they need to stay the course so they can and extra home game.

 

Up next for Valley City is Grand Forks Central. A team that is right behind the Hi-Liners in the standings. The Hi-Liners travel to Grand Forks on Thursday. That game begins at 7:30. Coverage at 7:15 on 1490 AM KOVC/96.3 FM and videostreammed live on newsdakota.com