The first game on the docket saw the Valley City boys trying to avenge an earlier loss this season against the Broncos. It was a tail of two styles as the Hi-Liners looked to work the ball inside early to Talon Larson and attack the paint with Zack Sykora, while the likes of Bryson Heck and Carson Eggert capitalized outside. Meanwhile, as usual, the Broncos were committed to their three-point shooting as three after three was lifted, with only one falling for them in the first quarter as the Hi-Liners raced out to an early 17-9 lead.
The play of Lisbon’s Jayden Bittner would singlehandedly keep his team in the game as he splashed home four trifectas in the second frame, accounting for 15 of Lisbon’s 21 second-quarter points. The Hi-Liners would respond with three three-pointers of their own as Larson continued to dominate inside, with the Hi-Liners taking a 40-30 into the halftime break.
The second half would see little separation between the two sides as the third quarter would turn into a defensive grind, with Larson pouring in seven of the Hi-Liner’s 12 points. The three-point well would dry up for Lisbon in the third as they only made one of their chances, as the Valley City defense smothered them inside.
The fourth would see the three-point activity pick up for Lisbon as they knocked down three more, but ultimately, it was too little too late, as the Hi-Liners guards poured on the pressure in the fourth and carried Valley City to a 68-53 win. The Hi-Liners now improve to 7-7 overall and 3-3 in Region 1 play, while Lisbon drops to 5-7 overall and 1-6 in Region 1 play.
The Hi-Liner girls would complete the sweep as they grinded their way through a cold shooting night to pick up a 61-36 win. The first half saw both sides fail to capitalize on open shots, but ultimately Valley City was able to put together a solid enough defensive effort to carry them to a 33-21 halftime lead.
The second half would start much like the first, with both teams missing open shots and both sides turning the ball over rapidly. But it would be Valley City’s Drew Potratz who would own the third quarter, pouring in 10 points to help extend the Hi-Liners lead to 53-27. Tesa Olson’s steady hand was also critical to the Hi-Liner’s success, as she finished with thirteen points and collected nearly a double-double worth of rebounds.
The fourth quarter would see the benches clear out for both sides as the Hi-Liners cruised to the 61-36 win, their 14th of the season. With the win, Valley City stays atop the Region 1 standings, with their next game coming on February 5th at Central Cass. That game can be heard live on 1490 AM/ 96.3 FM KOVC and online at NewsDakota.com.
Ivy Real Estate Group Players of the Game: Talon Larson, Tesa Olson