MINOT, N.D. – For the second time this season, the Valley City Hi-Liners and Carrington Cardinals battled for four quarters, this time with each looking to keep their state title hopes alive.

The third-seeded Hi-Liners struggled early, mustering just eight first-quarter points—all from Katie Burchill—while Carrington used a balanced attack to take a 15-8 lead. The Cardinals extended their advantage to 13 in the second quarter, dominating the boards with 16 offensive rebounds in the first half. However, Valley City surged late, trimming the deficit to 24-18 at halftime.

Momentum shifted in the third quarter as Burchill and Skye Nielson combined for 13 of Valley City’s 15 points. The Hi-Liners held Carrington to just seven points in the frame, seizing a 33-31 lead heading into the fourth.

Valley City extended its lead to 11 in the final quarter, but turnovers and missed free throws allowed Carrington to claw back and tie the game late. With time winding down, Maddie Anderson drove for a go-ahead layup, but missed the and-one attempt. Nielson then hit one of two free throws with two seconds left to give Valley City a 45-42 lead. A last-second Carrington heave missed the mark, securing the Hi-Liners’ victory.

Burchill led all scorers with 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Nielson also recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Valley City advances to the semifinals, where it will face South Prairie-Max at 6:30 p.m. Friday. The Royals defeated Turtle Mountain 70-45, outscoring the Braves 45-26 in the second half, including a dominant 28-7 third quarter. The game will be broadcast on 1490 AM/96.3 FM KOVC and online at NewsDakota.com.