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Viking Boys Suffer Defeat in Overtime Against Lake City at Target Center
In a thrilling showdown at Target Center on Wednesday night, the Pelican Rapids Vikings faced off against Lake City in the 8AA quarterfinal round. The game intensified as Hunter Lorenson of Lake City sunk two crucial free throws with only 12 seconds left in regulation, tying the score at 60-60.
A turnover by Pelican Rapids in the dying seconds led to a missed opportunity for the Tigers, pushing the game into overtime.
With Pelican Rapids losing senior guard Timmy Guler to fouls in the final moments of regulation, Lake City capitalized, dominating the overtime period with a 12-1 run, securing a 72-61 victory.
Lake City held a narrow 25-23 lead at halftime, but Pelican Rapids surged ahead at the start of the second half, grabbing a 31-25 advantage. However, Lake City quickly retaliated with a 6-point streak, leveling the score at 31-31.
The Vikings managed to pull ahead again, leading 37-31, but Lake City kept the pressure on, resulting in a game that saw 9 ties and 5 lead changes.
Hunter Lorenson led the charge for Lake City with 19 points, while Keegan Ryan and Rylee Fick showcased impressive double-doubles. Jaden Shones contributed 15 points and led the team with 5 assists.
Lake City’s dominance extended to the boards, where they outrebounded Pelican Rapids 41-30, blocked 8 shots, and forced 18 turnovers. Despite Pelican Rapids’ strong shooting from beyond the arc in the second half, Lake City’s defense proved formidable.
With this loss, Pelican Rapids’ season record stands at 24-6.
They will look to bounce back in a consolation semifinal game on Thursday at Gangelhoff Center, Concordia University, St. Paul. Meanwhile, Lake City advances to the championship semifinal, facing Albany on Friday at Williams Arena.
Hillcrest Boys Secure Little Eight Conference Title
The Hillcrest Boys’ Basketball team concluded their Little 8 Conference season in style, clinching the LEC title with a stellar 15-1 record. Head Coach Ryan Garvin received recognition as the Conference Coach of the Year, while Luke Christensen of Hillcrest shared the Conference MVP honor with Micah Fuller of Brandon-Evansville.
Christensen, along with teammate Noah Brumfield, earned spots on the All-Conference team, while Tanner Riedel and Riley Perleberg of the Chargers were named 2nd Team All-Conference.
The All-Conference 1st Team featured standout players like Drew Evavold of Underwood, Jack Mekalson, and Mason Dalluge of Battle Lake, among others.
The second team included talented individuals such as Hudson Risbrudt of Underwood and Braxtyn Cameron of Battle Lake.
Hancock Leads in Little Eight Conference Girls Basketball
The Little Eight Conference Girls’ Basketball season showcased strong performances from several teams, with Hancock leading the pack with a remarkable 17-1 record.
Underwood followed closely behind at 16-2, with Hillcrest and Brandon-Evansville also putting up commendable performances.
Hillcrest’s Head Coach Hannah Clark received the LEC Coach of the Year accolade, while Liz Lukken of Underwood and Kaitlyn Rohloff of Hancock shared the MVP award.
The All-Conference 1st Team boasted players like Kallyn Grove and Ezrah Baker of Underwood, and Ella Knutson of Hillcrest. Trinity Baker of Underwood and Brooke Versteeg of Hancock were among those named to the second team.
Brandon-Evansville Girls Basketball Recognitions
The Brandon-Evansville girls’ basketball team celebrated their achievements, with Haddy Baune and Kylee Dingwall receiving All-Conference honors.
Additionally, Baune and Dingwall were recognized for their leadership contributions to the team.
Other notable awards included Mia Elmer earning the Off-season Effort award and Drea Fernholz receiving the Youth Volunteer award.
The Chargers also acknowledged their letter winners, including seniors Kylee Dinwall, Skylar Bitzan, and Madison Anderson, among others.
Fergus Falls Alumni Shine in Women’s Hockey
Fergus Falls High School alumni made headlines in NCAA Division III Women’s Hockey, with Joe Cranston, class of 1983, leading the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to victory as the head coach.
Cranston was named the NCAA Division III Women’s Hockey Coach of the Year after guiding his team to a historic undefeated season and their first-ever national championship.
Sophie Rausch, another Fergus Falls graduate, earned recognition for her outstanding performance at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, receiving All-America honors for the third time and showcasing her prowess on the ice throughout the season.