DEVILS LAKE, ND – Yesterday saw another fantastic battle between the Valley City Hi-Liners and the Devils Lake Firebirds, as the second-ranked Hi-Liners rallied from down double digits to pick up an opening-night win on the road behind a balanced scoring effort.

In the first quarter, it was evident that the extra rest and practices were favoring fourth-ranked Devils Lake, as the Firebirds racked up 10 points on the fast break to establish an early lead. Presley Brown, Ava Beck and Mia Elsperger combined to score 16 of Devils Lake’s 20 first-quarter points. Meanwhile, Valley City struggled to find consistency, turning the ball over at a high rate, while Skye Nielson was the only player to score multiple field goals in the first frame. The defending state champions trailed 20-13 after one.

The second quarter saw an early eruption from Tylie Brodina, who hit four 3-pointers to push the Firebirds’ lead into double digits. However, midway through the quarter the Hi-Liners began finding their footing offensively, as Maddy Frieze did her best to match Brodina with 10 points of her own. Her surge kept Valley City within striking distance, trimming the deficit to 39-31 at halftime.

The third quarter saw momentum swing firmly toward the Hi-Liners. First-team all-stater Katie Burchill poured in eight points in the frame after being held to four in the first half. Frieze continued her hot shooting, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers as Valley City roared back to take a late lead. But the Firebirds dialed up a press at the right moment, forcing a turnover that led to a fast-break bucket and a 54-52 Devils Lake lead heading into the fourth.

The fourth quarter became a war of attrition, with both teams struggling to generate offense as the Firebirds clung to a slim lead. A late corner 3-pointer by Brodina gave her 21 points and nudged Devils Lake back in front. But the Hi-Liners showed championship resolve, sparked by senior leader Dacota Potratz, who delivered nine fourth-quarter points — including a clutch 3-pointer and several free throws — to give Valley City a 67-65 edge.

After a missed Devils Lake shot in the final moments, Valley City’s Kadie Kocka knocked down two free throws to ice the game and secure the 69-65 opening-night road win. Four Hi-Liners reached double figures, and Valley City outscored Devils Lake 56-43 after its slow first quarter.

Next up for Valley City is the Barnes County Tournament, beginning Dec. 9 at Valley City State University.

Valley City (1-0) 13 18 21 17 — 69
Devils Lake (0-1) 20 19 13 11 — 65

VALLEY CITY (1-0): Maddy Frieze 18; Katie Burchill 16; Dacota Potratz 14; Skye Nielson 11; Kadie Kocka 5; Kailee Nielson 5
DEVILS LAKE (0-1): Tylie Brodina 21; Ava Beck 13; Presley Brown 9; Mia Elsperger 8; Dottie Goss 8; Jenae Martinson 5; Emma Hofstad 1