Spoilers Defeat Cardinals in Regular Season Finale

Grafton clinches 2-seed and rematch with Carrington in Regional Tournament

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Grafton Spoilers defeated the Carrington Cardinals 59-40 in the final regular season basketball game in North Dakota for the 2025-26 season. Brody Lillemoen and Reggie Rice combined for 40 points to lead Grafton, who clinched the 2-seed and a rematch with Carrington in the upcoming Regional Tournament.

Why it matters

This game determined the seeding for the upcoming Regional Tournament, with Grafton securing the 2-seed and a rematch against Carrington, who they defeated in the regular season finale. The outcome of the tournament game will have significant implications for both teams' postseason hopes.

The details

The game started slowly, with neither team scoring in the first three minutes. Grafton jumped out to a 7-0 lead, but Carrington responded with a 9-2 run to tie it at 9. Grafton then went on a 12-0 run to take a 21-9 lead in the second quarter, and led 30-18 at halftime. Carrington made a push in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 37-31, but Grafton responded with a 10-1 run to put the game away.

  • The game was the final regular season basketball game in North Dakota for the 2025-26 season.
  • Grafton and Carrington will face off again in the Region 2A Quarterfinal on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Brody Lillemoen

A key player for the Grafton Spoilers, scoring 23 points in the regular season finale.

Reggie Rice

Grafton's second leading scorer, contributing 17 points to the Spoilers' victory.

Taylen Mehring

Carrington's third-leading scorer, with 9 points in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The two teams will face off in the Region 2A Quarterfinal on Monday at the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse in Mayville.

The takeaway

This game sets up an intriguing rematch in the Regional Tournament, as Grafton and Carrington will look to settle the score and advance their postseason aspirations. The outcome of the tournament game will have significant implications for both teams.