Jamestown, N.D. (NewsDakota.com)—-The Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier (EKM) Rebels had to battle it out for a full 4 quarters against the Linton-Hazelton-Moffitt-Braddock (Linton) Lions in the Region 3 girls basketball title game before finally securing a 41-38 victory. A pair of free throws with 12 seconds left in the game from Matayea Mathern (5’10 Junior) gave the Rebels the 41-38 lead before Linton would get one last chance but could not convert on the final shot to try and tie the game. Mathern had an incredible game, scoring a game high 30 points, 9 of 18 shooting overall, 7 of 8 from the free throw line, and drilled 5 of 7 from behind the 3-point arc to pace the Rebels offense. Mathern would also pickup a game high 4 steals, added 6 rebounds, and was fouled 9 times in the game as Linton tried to slow her down. Libby Mathern (5’8 sophomore), cousin to Matayea, scored 9 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals to help the Rebels to the win. The only other points for EKM came from Grace Irey (5’9 junior) on the first possession of the game giving the Rebels an early 2-0 lead. Irey had 5 rebounds and Norah Entzi added 6 rebounds for EKM.
The Lions were paced by Emma Weiser (5’7 junior) with a team 13 points and a game high 12 rebounds. Kaylee Weninger (5’11 senior) added 10 points and 5 rebounds. Allie Dockter (5’5 junior) added 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. The Lions made a good run in the tournament but end their season at 14-10 overall and EKM with advance to the state tournament next week with a 19-5 overall record and will play the top seeded Thompson Tommies in the first round.
Third place
Carrington 50 Kidder County 40
The Carrington Cardinals would finish the season with a 50-40 victory for the Kidder County (KC) Wolves for the third place trophy at the Region 3 tournament. Haley Wolsky would pace the Cardinals 4 double digit scorers with 12 points. Madison Johnson added 10 points, a game high 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 6 steals for a super all around game for the junior guard. Olivia Threadgold added 11 points and 9 rebounds (game high with Johnson). Kacie Rexin also added 11 points and 4 rebounds. The Cardinals outrebounded KC 42-22. The Wolves were paced by Kennedy Harter with a game high 16 points, adding 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Harter (5’10 senior) was also selected the Region 3 senior athlete of the year award.
Taylor Zimmerman, (freshman guard), added 12 points and 2 steals for the Wolves. KC finished the season at 18-5 overall and head coach Dan Welder was also selected the Region 3 coach of the year. Carrington finished the season 18-6 overall.