MINOT — In the largest stadium that Devils Lake girls’ basketball has played in this year, the Firebirds soared.
Devils Lake, making its 16th tournament appearance and seeking its first state title since 1987, ventured into the Minot State Dome on Thursday. It wasn’t just a bigger setting: Everything was larger, and fancier, and more intricate — from the close-up shots on the Jumbotron, to the TV timeouts, to the opposing student sections behind each basket.
“There’s a lot of youth in there,” head coach Justin Klein said, pointing to his team’s locker room. “Our motto here has been ‘Unleash the chaos.’ It’s kind of chaotic. It took a little bit to get that going. And with these TV timeouts, it kind of wrecks the flow; I’m not gonna lie.”
Led by Tylie Brodina’s 23 points, Devils Lake ran away with the contest in the second quarter and never turned a glance back. The No. 3-seeded Firebirds (19-6, 7-2), who were ranked No. 4 in Division A in the latest polls, beat the No. 6-seeded Jaguars (17-8, 7-5) 64-42 to advance to the state tournament semifinals.
“We did a really good job with the game plan defensively,” head coach Justin Klein said. “I think that spearheaded us. And Tylie was huge with her scoring, and that just helps everybody.”
Within milliseconds of the game starting, Brodina made a layup. Devils Lake won the tip-off, and she rushed down the court to score the game’s first points.
Josie Jensen, a 6-foot-3 senior for Northern Cass, made back-to-back baskets after a steal. The Firebirds had some sloppy possessions, but stayed solid defensively to keep it close.
Cabryn Fritel eventually got a steal and ran down the court for the game-tying shot at 4:38 in the first quarter. The teams went back and forth, with Brodina and Jensen each scoring once again for their respective clubs.
Northern Cass had a lead as large as 10-7 after a pair of free throws. But Torri Fee made it a one-point game, and Presley Brown got a layup in the basket just before the buzzer of the first quarter. Devils Lake led 11-10.
“The first quarter, we were a little tight,” Klein said. “But I think the more you play, the better it is. The tempo helps. You don’t try to do anything you haven’t done throughout the season.”
Brown swished a three to get the Firebirds rolling in the second quarter. Northern Cass cut the lead to 14-12, but Devils Lake went on a 13-0 run from there. Brodina made a three, along with a pair of two-pointers, during the stretch.
The Firebirds could breathe a little, now grasping a 27-12 lead.
“We just moved the ball better,” Brodina said. “The bench players stepped up too. Presley Brown — she did a really good job today.”
Northern Cass responded with eight straight — four via free throws. But Brodina had seen enough of that, getting Devils Lake back in the points column with five straight points of her own. She made 12 in the quarter, bringing her first-half total to 16.
Her usual clan of Brodina family members had to sit a little farther away than usual, but they were still on their feet and cheering from the upper seats.
“I love having so many fans here to cheer me on,” Brodina said. “It gives extra confidence that so many people are confident in you, too.”
After a lone free throw by the Jaguars to end the second quarter, Devils Lake held a 32-21 lead at halftime.
The Firebirds continued to build their lead in the third quarter, and really took over a game that had been more competitive in its opening minutes. They were aided by offensive rebounds and fouls, finding a way to keep the ball on Northern Cass’s side of the court.
Devils Lake scored 11 straight to go ahead 52-31. Ava Beck contributed four points, while Brown made her second three of the game. Brown had 13 points overall.
“Just hustle. Energy,” Klein said of what he saw from his team. “I think we kept everybody fresh, too… Offensive rebounds, more shots and more opportunities.”
Brodina, after a brief rest, came back in with 4:16 to go in the game. Devils Lake had only scored one basket thus far in the fourth quarter, but she immediately intercepted a pass, leading to a possession where Beck scored. Brodina then shot a three and made yet another basket after that, propelling the Firebirds to a 61-37 lead.
“I like her intensity on offense,” Klein said. “She’s always looking to score. She’s a very offensive-minded player. Very confident within herself; very confident within the system, especially as a freshman.”
Brinly Gregory made a three off the bench during the final minutes. Devils Lake comfortably cruised into the finish line with a 22-point win, sending the squad to the next round of this tournament.
On Friday, March 1, the Firebirds will face No. 7-seeded Valley City, which upset No. 2-seeded Bottineau earlier on Thursday. Devils Lake went 1-1 against Valley City during the regular season — most recently, a 70-54 loss on Jan. 30.
“First of all, don’t put them on the free throw line 37 times,” Klein said. “We have to be more disciplined.”
Devils Lake and Valley City will compete at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 1 for a spot in the Division A state championship. The Firebirds have a practice scheduled for 11 a.m. to get themselves ready for the game.
“I think we just need to work hard and come out with a clear mind that we haven’t played them at all yet,” Brodina said.
