In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, the Berthold Lady Bombers secured their top seed with a decisive victory over the Lady Titans. The championship game, held on February 15 at the Minot Auditorium, saw the Lady Bombers dominate the court with a final score of 64-53. Through relentless defense and strategic offense, Berthold maintained a consistent lead throughout the match. Key players delivered outstanding performances, ensuring their team's qualification for the upcoming Region 3 Tournament. Meanwhile, other local teams, including the Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood Lady Mavericks and the Surrey Lady Mustangs, also earned their spots in the regional competition.

Strategic Play Secures Berthold's Dominance

The Lady Bombers showcased exceptional teamwork and tactical prowess from the outset. They established an early advantage by outscoring the Lady Titans 19-10 in the first quarter. This strong start set the tone for the remainder of the game. Berthold's defensive strategy proved effective, limiting TGU's scoring opportunities while capitalizing on their own offensive plays. By halftime, the Lady Bombers had extended their lead to 34-23, positioning themselves for a commanding performance in the second half.

In the third quarter, the Lady Titans attempted to narrow the gap but faced formidable opposition. Berthold continued to build on their lead, finishing the period with a score of 46-33. The fourth quarter saw both teams battling fiercely, but Berthold's resilience ensured they maintained control. Individual standout performances included Addison Neshem's impressive 30 points, Kasey Simons' contribution of 12 points, and Aubree Schepp's 11 points. Shayne Simons also added nine crucial points to the tally. The collective effort solidified Berthold's dominance and secured their place in the Region 3 Tournament.

Regional Qualifiers Set Stage for Intense Competition

Other teams vying for regional qualification also demonstrated remarkable performances. In a closely contested match, the Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood (MLS) Lady Mavericks emerged victorious against Our Redeemer’s Lady Knights with a score of 53-43. The Varty sisters, Laney and Alexa, were instrumental in MLS's win, combining for 28 points. Archer Ackerson and Hattie Varty further bolstered the team's scoring efforts. On the opposing side, MiKayla Altringer led the Lady Knights with 13 points, while Kadyn Braun and Hannah Conway contributed significantly.

In another qualifying round, the Surrey Lady Mustangs triumphed over the Glenburn Lady Panthers with a final score of 54-48. Surrey's success was driven by Laney Will's 17-point performance, supported by Sienna Klimpel's 14 points and Ava Keller's 11 points. For Glenburn, Emma Jones led all scorers with 20 points, followed by contributions from Aubrie Quick and Mila Jones. With these victories, MLS, Surrey, and Berthold have secured their places in the Region 3 Tournament, setting the stage for intense competition in New Town starting on February 24. Berthold will face Powers Lake-Burke Central, while Surrey and MLS prepare to confront their respective opponents in what promises to be thrilling matches.