The Hi-Liners used a 13-0 run in the first quarter to build a sizable early lead against White Shield, which they never relinquished. The Warriors started the game 2-for-9 from three-point range in the first quarter but ultimately shot 9-for-18 from deep the rest of the way. Unfortunately for the Warriors, they were never able to string together a series of stops to get back into the game. Bryson Heck and Miken Mattson each finished with 20+ points, while Jack Dieterle recorded an 18-point, 15-rebound double-double.
Game Two: May-Port CG 57-40 Wyndmere-Lidgerwood
The May-Port CG Patriots used a stifling defensive effort to wear down the Wyndmere-Lidgerwood Warbirds and cruised to a victory, outscoring the Warbirds 33-21 in the second half. May-Port forced 25 turnovers and recorded 17 steals as a team while holding the Warbirds to 34% shooting for the game. The Patriots were led by sophomore Noah Djibonon, who delivered an impressive 15-point, 13-rebound double-double and also added a pair of blocks. For the Warbirds, Jace Stenson and Hunter Dunn led the scoring effort, each finishing with 22 points.
Game Three: LaMoure/L-M 62-29 Enderlin
After Enderlin cut an early 21-2 deficit to just 28-23 early in the third quarter, the Loboes responded by outscoring the Eagles 34-6 the rest of the way. LaMoure/L-M was led by Brayan Karlgaard, who finished with 20 points, while Gunner Theilges recorded a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double. Enderlin got a double-double performance from Aiden Chamberlin and a 12-point contribution from Karson Gruba but struggled to generate much production from the rest of the roster.
Game Four: Barnes County North 43-38 Maple River
The Barnes County North (BCN) Bison and the Maple River Raiders engaged in a four-quarter slugfest where points were at a premium. Both teams traded dominant quarters in the first half, with BCN outscoring Maple River 19-6 in the first quarter, only for the Raiders to respond by outscoring the Bison 15-5 in the second. BCN carried a 24-21 lead into the break.
Defense paved the way for the Bison in the third quarter as they held Maple River to just four points, extending their lead to eight heading into the fourth. Maple River closed the gap to make it a one-score game at various points, but BCN consistently answered back and did just enough to protect their slim lead. Free throws by Jayson Schlenker and Miko Koebernick ultimately iced the game for the Bison, securing the win.
Schedule for Thursday, Jan. 9
3:00 p.m. – Game 5 – #8 White Shield vs. #5 Wyndmere-Lidgerwood
4:30 p.m. – Game 6 – #7 Enderlin vs. #3 Maple River (KQDJ-FM/KOVC TV)
6:00 p.m. – Game 7 – #1 Valley City vs. #4 May-Port CG (KQDJ-FM/KOVC TV)
7:30 p.m. – Game 8 – #2 LaMoure/L-M vs. #6 Barnes County North (KQDJ-FM/KOVC TV)