Hi-Liners Stifle Devils Lake in State Quarterfinals

Valley City advances to state semifinals with 64-44 victory

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Valley City Hi-Liners used a stifling defense and a dominant third quarter to defeat Devils Lake 64-44 in the Class A state quarterfinals. Katie Burchill led the way for Valley City with a double-double, while Maddy Frieze and Skye Nielson also made key contributions.

Why it matters

This win sends the Hi-Liners to the state semifinals, where they will face a rematch of last year's state championship game against the Thompson Tommies. The Hi-Liners' strong defensive performance and balanced scoring attack proved too much for Devils Lake to overcome.

The details

Valley City opened the game with a physical, defensive-minded approach, taking a narrow 12-9 lead after the first quarter. The game remained close through the first half, with the Hi-Liners holding a 22-19 advantage at the break. However, the third quarter proved decisive, as Valley City opened with a 17-0 run to build a commanding 43-25 lead heading into the fourth. Devils Lake junior guard Tylie Brodina struggled mightily, going 5-for-24 from the field and 0-for-8 from 3-point range.

  • The game was played on March 5, 2026 in the Class A state quarterfinals.
  • Valley City will face Thompson in the state semifinals on March 6, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

The players

Katie Burchill

A standout player for the Valley City Hi-Liners who recorded a dominant double-double with 23 points and 18 rebounds.

Maddy Frieze

A key contributor for Valley City, scoring 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting.

Skye Nielson

Filled the stat sheet for the Hi-Liners with 11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 blocks and a steal.

Tylie Brodina

A junior guard for Devils Lake who struggled mightily, going 5-for-24 from the field and 0-for-8 from 3-point range.

Jimmy Howard

The head coach of the Valley City Hi-Liners.

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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 Hi-Liners will face the Thompson Tommies in the state semifinals at 6:30 p.m. on March 6, 2026. The game can be heard on 1490 AM/96.3 FM KOVC and online at NewsDakota.com.

The takeaway

This win showcases the Hi-Liners' stifling defense and balanced scoring attack, which proved too much for Devils Lake to overcome. As Valley City advances to the state semifinals, they will look to avenge last year's state championship game loss against the Thompson Tommies.