STORY BY MARK MCKENZIE; PHOTO BY SUSAN WARCKEN

JAMESTOWN (NewsDakota)- A marquee matchup took place on Saturday in Class B girls basketball as defending state champ and #2 ranked Benson County battled #4 ranked LaMoure-Litchville-Marion at a neutral site at Jerry Meyer Arena on the campus of Jamestown High School.

After the final horn sounded, L-L-M celebrated a 55-40 victory.

Quarter one was a seesaw affair with the two teams trading baskets. Junior Kaitlynn Maddock drained a three at the horn to give the Wildcats a 15-11 lead after eight minutes of play.

Quarter two was the difference as the Loboes held Benson County without a field goal and outscored them 16-1 to sprint into the halftime locker room on top 27-16.

The Wildcats got as close at eight in the second half but L-L-M hit free throws down the stretch to seal the deal.

Loboes Senior forward Norah DeleBarre had a huge performance with a game high 19 points along with stellar defense. Junior guard Addison Smith popped in 14 points and went five for six at the line to help ice the game away.

Benson County was led by Junior Kaitlynn Maddock and Sophomore Lacie Fautsch as each knocked down 12 points. Senior Aubrey Kenner also hit double figures with 11 points.

The defending state champs have dropped back to back games after starting the season 15-0.

The Loboes improve to 16-1, and picked up their seventh win in a row.

Next up for the Wildcats is a home game with New Rockford-Sheyenne on February 3rd and L-L-M will get back on the floor on February 5th vs Oakes.