The Valley City Hi-Liners were unable to keep pace with the Wahpeton Huskies, falling 68-48 in a Region One matchup played with Valley City down two starters.

Wahpeton Huskies jumped out to a fast start in the first quarter, opening the game on a 10-0 run behind the dynamic guard pairing of Brayden Steffens and Jack Gilbertson. Valley City worked its way back into the game by attacking the rim and converting seven free throws in the opening frame while adjusting to the absences of Miken Mattson and Jack Samuelson. At the end of the first quarter, the Huskies held an 18-11 advantage.

The second quarter followed a similar script, as Wahpeton again seized early momentum with an 11-2 run to extend its lead to 29-13. The Hi-Liners responded with improved ball movement and effort, as Andrew Sykora, Zander Compson and Finn Dockter sparked a late push. Valley City outscored Wahpeton 9-7 over the final four and a half minutes of the half, but the Huskies still went into the locker room firmly in control, leading 36-24.

Wahpeton put the game away in the third quarter, as Gilbertson and Steffens continued to apply pressure and fueled a 24-12 scoring edge in the frame. That surge gave the Huskies a commanding 60-36 lead heading into the fourth.

Valley City avoided the running clock in the final quarter, outscoring Wahpeton 12-8, but the deficit proved too large to overcome. The loss drops the Hi-Liners’ losing streak to 13 games.

Valley City Hi-Liners will return home Tuesday, Feb. 24, to face the HCV Burros.