VALLEY CITY, N.D. – The Valley City Hi-Liners continued their winning ways Friday night, outlasting Central Cass 69-64 in a fast-paced battle at the Hi-Liner Activity Center.

Both teams pushed the tempo early, turning the first quarter into a track meet. Miken Mattson led Valley City with seven points, while Andrew Sykora and Finn Dockter provided key support. Central Cass countered with a balanced attack, as all five starters found the score sheet to take an 18-17 lead after one.

Jack Dieterle, limited by early foul trouble, returned in the second quarter and contributed six points, while Bryson Heck shook off a slow start to score nine in the frame. Valley City took a narrow 36-35 lead into halftime.

The Hi-Liners looked to create separation in the third quarter, with five different players scoring. Sykora knocked down a clutch three-pointer off the bench, but Central Cass stayed within striking distance behind sophomore Easton Holland, who poured in eight points in the quarter and finished with 20 for the game. A late 8-2 Valley City run finally provided breathing room, giving the Hi-Liners a 55-48 lead heading into the fourth.

Offense slowed to open the final quarter, with just 11 combined points in the first four and a half minutes. Central Cass controlled much of that stretch, trimming the deficit to two. However, Valley City responded once again, closing the game on an 11-6 run to secure the victory.

The Hi-Liners will return to action on Tuesday, Feb. 11, when they host Kindred at the Hi-Liner Activity Center.