The Valley City Hi-Liners delivered perhaps their best half of basketball this season, pulling away from Central Cass in the second half to cruise to a 78-45 victory.

The first two quarters unfolded in similar fashion, as Valley City built early leads before surrendering momentum late in each frame. The opening quarter was a scrappy affair, with the Hi-Liners riding the early dominance of Skye Nielson to a 15-6 advantage as the Squirrels consistently doubled Katie Burchill and left Nielson with one-on-one looks.

Central Cass responded late, closing the final 2:30 of the quarter on a 7-0 run to trim the deficit to 15-13.

The second quarter followed a similar script. Nielson again capitalized on the attention drawn by Burchill, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers and finishing the half with 14 points. Valley City stretched its lead to 26-15 with 2:30 remaining before halftime, but another late surge by the Squirrels pulled them within single digits. The Hi-Liners carried a 30-23 lead into the break.

The third quarter marked a turning point, as Burchill reasserted herself offensively and Valley City showcased a balanced attack. Seven different Hi-Liners scored in the frame, and this time there was no late rally from Central Cass. Valley City outscored the Squirrels 27-16 in the quarter, nearly doubling its point total and seizing full control of the game.

The momentum continued into the fourth quarter, where the Hi-Liners’ defense suffocated Central Cass, allowing just six points. Burchill and Nielson each finished with 20 points as Valley City rolled to the 78-45 win.

Valley City improved to 13-2 on the season and will return to action Saturday against LaMoure-Litchville/Marion. The Hi-Liners will look to avenge an earlier loss to the Loboes, with tipoff set for 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 7.