Wednesday didn’t feature any high school basketball games, but it did feature a pair of local junior college games. Wednesday’s off day should gear up Devils Lake for a big day of basketball and hockey on Thursday.
Highlights
The Lake Region State College women’s basketball team won its matchup against Bismarck State Wednesday evening. The 55-43 victory extended the Royals’ winning streak to eight, moving them to fourth place in the Mon-Dak Athletic Conference. For more on this game, read Journal reporter Mojo Hill’s recap.
The Royals’ men’s team couldn’t follow suit in the nightcap, however, falling 68-50. Read here for more on a tough loss for LRSC, which ended its three-game winning streak.
Both Royals teams will continue their seasons Sunday afternoon at home against Williston State College.
Other scores
Women’s basketball
Dakota College at Bottineau 74, Williston State College 94
United Tribes Technical College 59, North Dakota State College of Science 78
Men’s basketball
United Tribes Technical College 55, North Dakota State College of Science 85
Dakota College at Bottineau 87, Williston State College 72
What to watch
The Devils Lake High School boys’ basketball team will play in arguably its biggest game of the season Thursday night. The No. 4 Firebirds, who sit at 6-1 so far this season, take on the No. 1 Grafton Spoilers, who are an undefeated 7-0. The game will commence at Devils Lake Sports Center with a 7:15 p.m. start.
Devils Lake, despite being one of the best Division A teams in the state, will be the underdog in this one. The Firebirds won their last game in explosive fashion, beating Rugby 80-32 (more on that game here). Considering how early it is in region play, an upset victory would go a long way for Devils Lake. The Spoilers are 2-0 in Region 2, while the Firebirds are 1-1 — meaning a Devils Lake victory would give it the same region record as Grafton.
Being ranked No. 4 in Division A is an accomplishment within itself, but a win Thursday night could put the Firebirds in the conversation for the top three slots, if not the top one by season’s end.
Beyond basketball, both Devils Lake hockey teams play on Thursday. The girls’ team will be playing right next door at Burdick Arena, taking on West Fargo at 7 p.m. The Firebirds look to avenge a 4-1 season-opening loss to the Packers. The boys, meanwhile, are on the road against Grafton at 6 p.m. They took a tough loss to Fargo North in their last game at Burdick Arena; for more on that, read the game coverage here.
Four Winds/Minnewaukan boys’ basketball is also playing at home on Thursday against Carrington at 6 p.m. Benson County girls’ basketball, meanwhile, takes on Hatton/Northwood at Northwood High School at 7 p.m.
Joseph “Mojo” Hill is a reporter covering Lake Region sports for the Devils Lake Journal. Contact him on Twitter @mojohill22 or at jhill@devilslakejournal.com for any tips, questions or story ideas.
