VALLEY CITY, N.D. — For the second time this season, the Valley City Hi-Liners bested the Northern Cass Jaguars on their home court, earning a 71-59 victory Thursday night.

Junior guard Madison Anderson set the tone early for the Hi-Liners, erupting for 11 points in the first quarter, including three 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Northern Cass senior standout Haidyn Crockett shouldered the scoring load for her team, tallying all eight of the Jaguars’ first-quarter points. Valley City took a commanding 20-8 lead into the second quarter.

Crockett’s heroics continued in the second quarter as she knocked down four consecutive 3-pointers and finished the first half with 24 points. Despite her efforts, Valley City maintained control with a balanced offensive approach. Four different Hi-Liners contributed in the second quarter, helping the team secure a 38-28 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Valley City junior Katie Burchill found her rhythm, scoring eight points in the frame. Freshman Skye Neilson also made her mark, with most of her eight third-quarter points coming from the free-throw line. The Hi-Liners began the game with 12 consecutive free throws. Crockett and teammate Tess Jalbert fought to keep the Jaguars within striking distance, but Valley City held a 56-47 edge entering the final quarter.

The fourth quarter saw both teams trading baskets early, but the Hi-Liners pulled away midway through the frame by dominating the interior and capitalizing at the free-throw line. Neilson scored seven of her 20 points in the final quarter, while Anderson finished as Valley City’s leading scorer with 24 points. Crockett delivered a stellar 39-point performance for Northern Cass, but her efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Hi-Liners’ balanced attack.

Valley City’s next game will be Monday, Jan. 20, against the Lisbon Broncos.