The basketball season will end on Saturday.
For the first time this century, Devils Lake boys’ basketball will compete in the state championship game. The only question is whether it will win its first title since 1925, or if it’ll have to settle for runner-up honors. The Firebirds have lost their last eight championship games they’ve been in, dating back to 1932.
The only hurdle in their way of glory is undefeated Kindred. The Vikings have won all 25 games they’ve played this season. Kindred and Devils Lake have not, however, had to face off yet. The Vikings played each of Four Winds/Minnewaukan and Grafton during the regular season — teams the Firebirds knocked off to get to this point — and while Kindred won, the games were close.
The top two seeds in the Division A state tournament face off at 5 p.m. in the Fargodome.
“We’re gonna try to do it for the community,” Parker Brodina said. “I know it’s been a long time. It’ll be great to get it for the town of Devils Lake.”
Highlights
The Firebirds outlasted Grafton on Friday, 64-53. The game was tied at 39 at the end of the third quarter. Brodina led with 22 points, while Wylee Delorme put up 20 in the second half after being held scoreless in the first half. For more on this game, read here.
North Star also won in the Division B state semifinals in Minot. The Bearcats beat Bishop Ryan 62-48. Dane Hagler led the scoring, per usual, with 25 points. Parker Simon contributed a trio of three-pointers. North Star trailed 14-12 at the end of the first quarter, but outscored the Lions 13-5 in the second quarter and never looked back.
Kindred won its game 56-46 against Shiloh Christian to get to the final against Devils Lake. Karson Ouse led the Vikings with 24 points. Kindred shot 54.5% compared to Shiloh Christian’s 33.9%, but also turned the ball over 20 times and was only 1-of-7 from the free throw line.
Other scores
Division A boys’ basketball state tournament
Valley City 58, Beulah 54 (consolation semifinals)
Killdeer 40, Des Lacs-Burlington 38 (consolation semifinals)
Division B boys’ basketball state tournament
Our Redeemer’s 65, Edgeley/Kulm/Montpelier 62 (consolation semifinals)
LaMoure-Litchville/Marion 56, Sargent County 61 (consolation semifinals)
What to watch
Beulah and Des Lacs-Burlington will get the day started with the seventh-place game at 9:30 a.m. Then will be the fifth-place game between Valley City and Killdeer at 11:15 a.m.
Grafton and Shiloh Christian are set to square off in the third-place game at 3 p.m. Finally, the day will end with Devils Lake and Kindred competing for the gold at 5 p.m.
Over in Minot, North Star plays in the Division B championship game against No. 3-seeded Westhope/Newburg at 8 p.m.
