Presley Brown (Photo by Noah Clooten)
Devils Lake girls’ basketball is in the win column for the first time in 2025-26.
The Firebirds (1-2) went up to Bottineau looking like they had something to prove. They exploded for a 28-0 start, and went on to win 71-44 over the Stars (1-3) on Thursday.
Presley Brown led the Firebirds with 22 points, while Tylie Brodina and Jenae Martinson each scored 15.
Devils Lake played a smaller, simpler style from the outset. The Firebirds had an even-keeled attack with a plethora of layups and points in the paint. They didn’t go for big shots early on; they just got down the floor and used the backboard to their advantage.
Brodina didn’t score until she made it 19-0, but she led the Firebirds with 11 in the first quarter. Brown added eight, while Mia Elsperger had six and Martinson had four. It was Martinson’s first start of the season.
It was particularly key that the Firebirds got contributions from players besides Brodina and Brown. They struggled a bit with that in their 72-41 loss to Turtle Mountain on Monday.
Devils Lake totaled 13 deuces in the first quarter. Bottineau scored its first points of the game with under two minutes left in the period.
Brodina swished a three to help give Devils Lake a 30-5 lead at the first quarter break.
Brown added nine more points to her line in the second quarter to finish with 17 in the first half. Those points included her first triple of the season. Bottineau’s Hallie Nero got going with 11 points in a more respectable quarter for the Stars. But Devils Lake still largely overwhelmed Bottineau with its relentless attack at the rim.
The Firebirds continued to soar with a 21-8 third quarter. They had a 69-30 lead going into the final eight minutes.
With Devils Lake’s backups getting most of the playing time, Bottineau opened the fourth quarter on a 12-0 run. Nero hit three triples in the second half to finish with 22 points for the Stars.
Devils Lake still locked down a comfortable win to get its season on track.
The Firebirds will be back home on Tuesday to face Rugby at approximately 7 p.m. Region play starts the following Thursday at home against No. 2 Carrington. Buckle up.
