JAMESTOWN, N.D. — The Valley City Hi-Liners used another dominant defensive performance Friday, upsetting the second-seeded Thompson Tommies 60-52 to advance to the Class A State Championship.

After suffocating Devils Lake in the third quarter of their quarterfinal win, Valley City relied on a stellar defensive first half against Thompson to take control of the semifinal matchup.

The Tommies jumped out to an early 7-4 lead in the opening minutes as the Hi-Liners struggled with turnovers and looked for offensive support beyond Katie Burchill. Valley City’s defense, however, kept the game within reach until the offense found its rhythm.

Skye Nielson provided the spark, helping the Hi-Liners close the first quarter on a 6-0 run to take a 10-7 lead into the second.

The second quarter turned into another defensive showcase for Valley City. While the offense worked patiently inside, the Hi-Liners clamped down on one of the most dangerous shooting teams in the state.

Thompson star Addison Sage, who entered the game averaging 22.3 points per game, was held scoreless in the first half. The Tommies’ second-leading scorer, Kya Hurst, was limited to just five points before halftime.

Burchill and Nielson carried the scoring load for Valley City, combining for 19 of the team’s 21 first-half points. Despite the modest offensive output, the Hi-Liners’ defense held Thompson to just nine total points over the first two quarters.

The third quarter turned into a battle for survival for Valley City as Sage and Hurst finally broke through. The duo combined for 21 points in the period, with Sage pouring in 13.

The Hi-Liners answered with an 18-point quarter of their own. Dacota Potratz added five points, and Valley City converted 7 of 10 free throws in the frame to maintain control.

After three quarters, Valley City held a 39-32 lead.

Maddy Frieze helped extend the advantage early in the fourth quarter, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers to push the Hi-Liners’ lead into double digits.

Thompson, which shot just 1-for-12 from beyond the arc in the first half, found its rhythm late. The Tommies went 8-for-14 from 3-point range in the second half, including four triples in the fourth quarter as they attempted a comeback.

The lead was trimmed to four points, but Valley City held firm at the free-throw line. The Hi-Liners converted 7 of 10 attempts in the closing minutes to keep Thompson at bay.

Burchill led Valley City with another double-double, finishing with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Potratz and Nielson also reached double figures and each came just shy of recording double-doubles.

Hurst led Thompson with 22 points, including five 3-pointers, but the Tommies could not complete the rally.

With the win, Valley City advances to the Class A State Championship game at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Jamestown Civic Center.

The championship game can be heard on 1490 AM/96.3 FM KOVC and online at NewsDakota.com.