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CITY (NewsDakota.com) – An 18-2 run to open the second half proved to be the difference Friday night as the Valley City boys basketball team dropped its season opener to Wahpeton, 49-43.

Valley City used a 12-0 run late in the first half to take a one-point lead 24-23 into the locker room, but Wahpeton took advantage of cold Hi-Liner shooting to open the second half, opening up a 41-26 lead. Valley City rallied back within six points at 45-39 after an 8-0 run, but Wahpeton held off the Hi-Liners down the stretch for the six-point victory.

It was the season opener for both teams. Valley City was led by Chase Carpenter who scored 16 points. Mason Denholm and Tayler Lentz both added eight in the loss. Valley City was 0-for-8 on free throws in the second half and 7-for-20 on the game.

Alex Lunneborg scored 14 and was one of three players in double figures for Wahpeton. Blaze Irwin scored 13 and Jack Christensen added 10 for the Huskies.

Up next for Valley City is the Barnes County Tournament on Dec. 11, 13, and 15 at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse in Valley City. The Hi-Liners are the No. 3 seed and face Griggs County Central on Tuesday at about 7:30 p.m. in the opening round.