MINOT, N.D. – Valley City survived a frantic comeback attempt by South Prairie-Max, holding on for a 60-59 victory to advance to the State Championship Game.

For the first time in nearly a month, the Hi-Liners came out firing offensively, with Katie Burchill scoring 10 first-quarter points. Valley City built a 16-8 lead before the Royals closed the frame on a 7-0 run, fueled by Rylee Routledge, who scored seven of South Prairie-Max’s 15 first-quarter points.

The second quarter turned into a defensive battle, with the Royals briefly taking a three-point lead midway through. However, the Hi-Liners responded, closing the half on a strong run as five different players contributed offensively. Valley City took a 27-23 lead into halftime.

Both offenses exploded in the third quarter, combining for 45 points. South Prairie-Max’s Mya Gunville, Abby Mikkelson and Routledge led the charge, but Valley City countered with Dacota Potratz and Skye Nielson, who combined for 17 points in the frame. The Hi-Liners carried a 51-44 lead into the final quarter.

Valley City controlled much of the fourth, extending its lead to 12 before South Prairie-Max stormed back. The Royals cut the deficit to one at 60-59 with two seconds remaining.

The Hi-Liners appeared to have the game won after Burchill secured the inbounds pass, but after stepping over the timeline, possession was awarded back to South Prairie-Max with just over a second left. Nielson, however, sealed the win by deflecting the inbound pass as time expired.

Valley City will play for the state championship at 5 p.m. Saturday. The game will be broadcast on 1490 AM/96.3 FM KOVC and online at NewsDakota.com.