Region 1B Boys Basketball Tournament Semifinals Decided

EKM and MPB advance to the Region 1B Championship game

Mar. 11, 2026 at 3:33am

The Region 1B Boys Basketball Tournament semifinals were held on March 10th at the Valley City Hi-Liner Activity Center. EKM defeated Kidder County 50-37 to advance to the championship game, while MPB defeated Linton-HMB 75-67 in a high-scoring affair.

Why it matters

The Region 1B tournament determines which teams will advance to the state tournament, making these semifinal games crucial for the participating schools and their communities. The winners will face off in the championship game for the chance to represent Region 1B at the state tournament.

The details

In the first semifinal, EKM jumped out to a 20-2 lead over Kidder County in the first half, but the Wolves fought back to make it a 6-point game in the third quarter. However, EKM pulled away in the fourth quarter to win 50-37 and advance to the championship game. The second semifinal was a high-scoring affair, with MPB defeating Linton-HMB 75-67. The game was close throughout, with the Lions holding an 18-15 lead after the first quarter. However, MPB was able to pull away in the fourth quarter to secure the victory and a spot in the championship game.

  • The Region 1B Boys Basketball Tournament semifinals were held on March 10, 2026.
  • The championship game is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2026.

The players

EKM

A high school basketball team that advanced to the Region 1B championship game after defeating Kidder County in the semifinals.

MPB

A high school basketball team that advanced to the Region 1B championship game after defeating Linton-HMB in the semifinals.

Kidder County

A high school basketball team that was defeated by EKM in the Region 1B semifinals and will play in the third-place game.

Linton-HMB

A high school basketball team that was defeated by MPB in the Region 1B semifinals and will play in the third-place game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're excited to be back in the championship game and have a chance to represent Region 1B at the state tournament.”

— EKM Head Coach (NewsDakota.com)

“It was a hard-fought game, but we were able to pull away in the end. We're looking forward to the championship game against EKM.”

— MPB Head Coach (NewsDakota.com)

What’s next

The Region 1B championship game between EKM and MPB will be played on Thursday, March 13, 2026. The winner will advance to the state tournament.

The takeaway

The Region 1B Boys Basketball Tournament semifinals showcased some exciting high school basketball action, with the top teams in the region battling it out for a chance to compete at the state level. The championship game between EKM and MPB promises to be a thrilling matchup as both teams look to punch their ticket to the state tournament.