LITTLEFORK — Sarah Majerus hit a 3-pointer with 33 seconds to play Thursday to help Hill City defeat Littlefork-Big Falls 64-60.
The Vikings (0-8) had a tenacious comeback in the second half, erasing a 48-34 deficit, but a reoccurring problem came to the surface down the stretch.
L-BF shot only 28 percent from the field (22 for 80) and 50 percent from the free-throw line (15 of 30).
The Vikings tied it at 56 and at 58, but missed an opportunity to take the lead with a minute to play. After Majerus missed two free throws, L-BF missed three shots before turning it over to the Hornets. On the next possession, Majerus got open in the corner and connected on her clutch 3-pointer to make it 61-58.
Liz Bobst, who made a huge 3-pointer during the comeback with 3:35 to play, missed from long range with 20 seconds left, but Hannah Larson followed up with a basket to make it 61-60. L-BF never had another shot, however, as the ball never made it back across half court.
“They’re fine with it,” Vikings head coach Lisa Lehman said about the losing. “They worked hard and they know they gave it their all. Our shots aren’t falling this year.”
Haylee Gates led the Vikings with 23 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out with 2:57 remaining. Hannah Hell had nine points and six rebounds, Kari Imhof recorded eight points, 13 rebounds and four steals and Bobst finished with seven points.
The Hornets were led by Haley McNeil’s 23 points and nine rebounds. Majerus had 12 points, Melissa Hesse finished with nine points and Miranda James and Jenna Pierce scored eight points apiece.
The Hornets (2-5) have already doubled their win total from a season ago and avenged a loss to L-BF last season.
Hornets assistant coach Jeanie Crandall was the only returning coach on this year’s staff, and she had a simple answer for the different between this year and last for Hill City, which won only one game last season.
“It just comes down to the head coach,” she said. “(First-year coach Langdon Spangler) has helped make these girls better ball players.”
Twenty-four fouls were called on L-BF, while 25 fouls were called on the Hornets. Miranda James and Melissa Hesse fouled out for Hill City. Four players finished with four fouls apiece — Hell and Imhof for L-BF, and Haley McNeil and Majerus for Hill City.
The Vikings return to action Monday against Cotton in another favorable contest.
L-BF’s two victories a season ago came against Hill City and Cotton.
“From game to game they’re improving and that’s what we’re focusing on,” Lehman said.
