VALLEY CITY N.D. – For the second time this season, the Valley City Hi-Liners and Kindred Vikings squared off, this time with first place in Region One on the line. In a back-and-forth battle, Valley City emerged with a dramatic 53-52 victory.
Kindred struck first, taking a 15-13 lead after a defensive-heavy opening quarter. Kennedy Bakko’s three three-pointers powered the Vikings, while Valley City’s Dacota Potratz paced the Hi-Liners with seven points.
The second quarter became a showcase for each team’s top scorer. Valley City’s Katie Burchill dominated inside, scoring 11 points and controlling the boards, while Kindred freshman Siera Nipstad countered with nine points and strong defensive play. With Bakko in foul trouble, the Hi-Liners closed the gap to trail just 30-29 at halftime.
The third quarter was a defensive grind, with both teams struggling offensively early. Back-to-back three-pointers from Skye Nielson and Maddie Anderson gave Valley City the edge, as the Hi-Liners’ defense held Kindred to just eight points in the frame. Entering the fourth, Valley City clung to a 41-39 lead.
The final quarter was filled with drama. Nipstad and Liza Trenbeath combined for 12 of Kindred’s 13 fourth-quarter points, but Nielson responded with clutch shots to keep the Hi-Liners in the game, finishing with 11 second-half points.
With under 30 seconds to play, Valley City found Burchill inside, and she converted a tough basket through contact to put the Hi-Liners ahead 53-52. She missed the ensuing free throw, and Kindred secured the rebound, calling a timeout with 20 seconds remaining.
On the final possession, Valley City’s defense forced Kindred into a contested three-pointer that missed, leading to a scramble for the rebound. A jump ball gave the Vikings one last chance with two seconds left, but a desperation hook shot sailed wide as time expired, sealing the Hi-Liners’ victory.
With the win, Valley City moves into sole possession of first place in Region One. The Hi-Liners return to action Monday, Feb. 3, on the road against Devils Lake. Tip-off is set for 7:15 p.m., with coverage on 1490 AM/96.3 FM KOVC and online at NewsDakota.com.