On Monday, the Hi-Liners rolled to a win against the defending Class B Champions, the Central Cass Squirrels. The Hi-Liners now sit alone at the top of the Region 1 standings after Wahpeton upset #4 Northern Cass on Monday.

The first quarter was a war of wills for the first five minutes as Central Cass used a surge to take a 13-11 lead with just under three minutes to play in the opening frame. The Hi-Liners, though, would catch fire with their defense sparking an 11-0 run to end the quarter, which was capped off with a Greta Goven buzzer-beating three-pointer to give Valley City a 22-13 lead.

The next quarter would be a continuation of Hi-Liner dominance early on, as Valley City extended their lead to 29-13 before Central Cass finally broke up the 18-0 run. Five Hi-Liners would score in the second quarter, helping Valley City outpace the Squirrels 21-17, giving the home squad a 43-30 lead at the break.

The third would be a rough and tumble quarter that saw no separation between the two sides, as Valley City used free throws to score the bulk of their 12 third-quarter points while Central Cass struck for two three-pointers and four points at the stripe for the bulk of their 12 points. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Hi-Liners held a comfortable 13-point advantage but would have to hold off a Squirrel rally.

Central Cass seventh grader Kenley Haug erupted for 12 points and three three-pointers in the fourth quarter as she and Liv Siverson tried to drag the Squirrels back into the game, cutting the deficit to seven points. But the hustle and energy of Valley City would pay off in the end as Katie Burchill put away two big second-chance opportunities to help seal a 71-63 win as the Hi-Liners move to 8-2 overall and 5-0 in Region 1 play.

Five Hi-Liners reached double figures with Tesa Olson leading the way with 16, Dacota Potratz chipping in 15, Katie Burchill scoring 14 off the bench, Greta Goven poured in 11, with Drew Potratz dropping another 10 points.

Next up for Valley City will be a road contest with Northern Cass with control of first place in Region 1 on the line. That game will be Thursday, January 11th, at 7:30 PM, and you can listen to it on 1490AM/96.3FM KOVC and online at NewsDakota.com.

 

Ivy Real Estate Group Player of the Game: Kate Burchill