VALLEY CITY, N.D. – The Valley City Hi-Liners held off a furious late rally from Central Cass, escaping with a 60-59 victory on Tuesday night to move within one win of clinching the Region 1 regular-season championship.

The Hi-Liners started strong, jumping out to a seven-point lead behind the inside presence of Katie Burchill and the perimeter shooting of Maddie Anderson. However, turnovers plagued Valley City early, allowing the Squirrels to battle back and tie the game. Despite the miscues, the Hi-Liners managed to take an 18-17 lead into the second quarter.

Dacota Potratz helped stabilize Valley City’s offense in the second quarter, taking over as the primary ball handler while adding six points and a pair of assists. Central Cass was led by eighth-grader Kenley Haug, who knocked down multiple three-pointers and floaters on her way to 10 first-half points. At the break, Valley City held a slim 33-30 advantage.

Both teams struggled offensively in a grinding third quarter. Anderson connected on another three-pointer, and Potratz continued her strong play, helping the Hi-Liners push their lead to as many as eight. However, more turnovers allowed Central Cass to stay within striking distance, cutting the deficit to 48-43 entering the final period.

The Squirrels mounted one last charge in the fourth, sinking three three-pointers in the quarter. Anderson answered with two more deep shots of her own, helping Valley City maintain a six-point lead with 40 seconds remaining. But the turnover bug struck again, with the Hi-Liners committing three in the final moments, allowing Central Cass to trim the lead to one.

With time winding down, Valley City missed a free throw, but an offensive rebound prevented Central Cass from getting a final shot off, sealing the Hi-Liners’ narrow victory.

Valley City will travel to face Northern Cass on Thursday at 6 p.m., where a win would clinch the Region 1 regular-season title.