The Valley City Hi-Liners and the Kindred Vikings engaged in a game of the year candidate Thursday as both teams slugged their way through four quarters and overtime. Unfortunately for the Hi-Liners, the Vikings would come out on top as their once two-game lead has evaporated to a tie at the top.
In the first quarter, the Vikings would come out red hot from deep as Kindred’s Siera Nipstad splashed home four three-pointers to propel her team out in front. The Hi-Liners would ride a balanced team effort to 18 points in the quarter but ultimately trailed 26-18 going into the second quarter. The difference in that first quarter was a 13-0 for the Vikings after Valley City took a 16-10 lead midway through the first.
The second would see Kindred storm out to a double-digit lead as Valley City looked to survive the early onslaught. Katie Burchill would help weather the storm off the bench as she went into the break tied with Drew and Dacota Potratz with 8 points, as the Hi-Liners found themselves trailing 39-30 at the halftime break.
The third would be a battle of wills as the Hi-Liners and Vikings would exchange a series of fast-flowing haymakers with both sides trying to break the other down. Burchill and Drew Potratz would tally 11 of the Hi-Liner’s 17 points in the quarter as they trailed 54-47 going into the fourth.
The fourth quarter started ominously for Valley City as the Vikings would seize the early momentum, forcing turnovers as it looked like they would cruise to a win. However, after being held scoreless the first three quarters, Tesa Olson would erupt for eight points, as Valley City would take a late lead after a Burchill layup. But an ill-timed turnover allowed the Vikings to tie the game up at the foul line, and the last-second corner three by Drew Potratz sailed over the rim as both teams braced for overtime.
Valley City and Kindred would again engage in a battle of wills, with both sides exchanging buckets in the extra frame. Unfortunately, another late turnover allowed Kindred to seize a four-point lead late in the game. A Greta Given three cut the lead down to one with one second to play, but a pair of free throws by Nipstad would ice the game 75-72 as Valley City couldn’t get their half-court shot off before the buzzer sounded.
Valley City now falls to 11-5 on the year and 7-2 in Region 1 play as they’ll look to bounce back on Saturday against the Beulah Miners. You can hear that game on KOVC, with the opening tip set for 5:30 pm.
Ivy Real Estate Group Player of the Game: Katie Burchill