MINOT, N.D. — In one of the most dominant performances in North Dakota state championship history, the Valley City Hi-Liners stifled Thompson’s high-powered offense en route to a 67-44 victory Saturday, securing the program’s first girls basketball state title.

The Hi-Liners jumped out to a strong start, with Katie Burchill, Maddie Anderson and Skye Nielson each scoring at least four points in the opening quarter. Valley City’s defense set the tone early, limiting Thompson’s Addison Sage and Kya Hurst—who had averaged 23.5 and 18.5 points per game in the tournament—to just four points combined in the first frame. The Hi-Liners led 17-10 after one.

Valley City’s defensive intensity continued in the second quarter, holding Sage and Hurst to just two more points. The Hi-Liners’ bench also made key contributions, with Kinlee Sufficool and Kadie Kocka each hitting a 3-pointer. Despite eight bench points from Thompson, Valley City took a 31-21 lead into halftime.

The Hi-Liners outscored the Tommies 17-10 in the third, mirroring their first-quarter performance. Nielson led the charge with nine points, while Anderson connected from deep again. Valley City’s defense continued to smother Thompson, which had been averaging 66.5 points per game entering the championship.

Burchill sealed the win with 10 points in the fourth, finishing with 23 points and 10 rebounds to earn tournament MVP honors with Nielson also be named to the All-Tournament team. Anderson added 12 points, including another 3-pointer, while Dacota Potratz chipped in five. Sage and Hurst combined for 21 points on 6-for-20 shooting, with late 3-pointers from Claire Kolling and Jordyn Tozer preventing a wider margin.

The Hi-Liners will celebrate their historic championship with a gathering at the Valley City Eagles Club at 5 p.m. Sunday. The team is expected to return from Minot just after midnight.