Emma Buee/MDN The Minot North basketball team hosted the top-ranked Minot High Majettes on Friday, January 10. Leah Dokken (30) attempts to guard Ashlee Williamson (11) in the historic first meeting as varsity teams.

Minot North, home of the Sentinels, hosted the Minot High Majettes, the No. 1 ranked team in the state, for an intense night of basketball.

The Majettes demonstrated why they are ranked the top team in the state and provided cross town rivals a solid measuring stick for future development with the 83-28 win over the hosts.

The Sentinels’ starters were Ashlee Williamson (11), Elli Laskowski (24), Kinzy Welstad (5) and Addy Clark (2). The Majettes started with Karew Lamoureux (24), Kinley Bartsch (4), Sydbey Aberle (11) and Eve Knutson (3). To start the game the Sentinels sent out number Aven Kelly (10) to jump for possession against the Majettes LeeLee Belle (30).

The game started fast. Quickly into the first half of the game the Sentinels make the first basket followed by the Majettes less than a minute later. The game continued with both teams hustling to make the next basket. The Sentinels fought hard but struggled against Minot High’s defense.

The Sentinels attempted many shots but couldn’t catch the rebounds for followup attempts to score. The height and strength Belle brought to the Majettes is hard to compete with in the paint.

Welstad and Laskowski led the score for the Sentinels, scoring six points each.

The Majettes made an impressive nine 3-pointers giving them a tough lead to follow. Knutson on the wing made four of these 3-pointers, 12 points for the Majettes. Belle, the top scorer for Minot High in the first half, made 14 points for her team. To end the half the Majettes took a strong 46-17 lead leaving the Sentinels behind.

Starting the second half of the game behind, the Sentinels fought hard for the 11 points they scored. Cambree Phillips led the effort for the Sentinels with five points for the second half, three of them being free throw points. Welstad also made 4 more points this half. The last scorer for the Sentinels was Kelly who made 2 points.

The Sentinels played well but they couldn’t keep the Majettess offence away from the basket.

Minot High scored 37 more points in the second half. Belle again was the Majettes top scorer. She had 17 more points for her team. By the end of the game Belle had made an impressive 31 points, four free throws and one 3-pointer. Lamoureux followed with nine points in the second half of the game.

The Minot High Majettes will send their JV to Divide County Monday, January 13.

The Minot North Sentinels and the Majettes will both compete again Tuesday, January 14. Minot High will host Dickinson. The Sentinels will travel to Bismarck St. Mary’s for their next game.