It was a hard-fought game between Region 1 rivals Valley City and Lisbon, but a handful of missed opportunities proved costly as the Hi-Liners came up just short in a 61-58 loss to the Broncos.

Valley City dictated the tempo early, riding a balanced first-quarter effort from Miken Mattson, Finn Dockter, Zander Compson, Andrew Sykora and Jack Samuelson to build a 14-10 lead. The Hi-Liners also did an excellent job defensively, holding Lisbon star senior Cameron Cordero to just two points in the opening frame.

The second quarter saw Lisbon surge ahead behind the inside tandem of Owen Gilbert and Hayden Enger, who created multiple high-quality scoring opportunities. After shaking off the slow start, Valley City regrouped and closed the half on a 12-4 run to take a 28-26 lead into the break.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point, as Cordero and Gilbert erupted for Lisbon, combining to fuel a 24-point quarter as the Broncos nearly doubled their scoring output. Dockter scored seven points in the frame to keep Valley City within striking distance, but Lisbon carried a 50-43 advantage into the fourth.

The Hi-Liners refused to go quietly in the final quarter, battling back behind a near single-handed effort from Mattson. Valley City’s senior leader poured in 14 points in the fourth and finished with a game-high 28.

Trailing 59-58 with just over 10 seconds remaining, Lisbon missed a pair of free throws, igniting a fast break for the Hi-Liners. Jack Samuelson’s initial attempt was deflected to Dieterle for a potential game-winning floater, but the shot rimmed out. Lisbon sealed the victory at the line, knocking down two free throws to secure the 61-58 win.

Next up for Valley City is a showdown against Enderlin at the Barnes County Tournament on Jan. 6. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.