Kari Gibb/MDN Nedrose junior Kaleb Eggen (20) drives into the paint with the ball as South Prairie-Max junior Jaret Eklie (2) works to defend him in action at Nedrose High School on Tuesday, January 14.

Games for both boys and girls basketball took place on Tuesday, January 14, with several teams defending their rankings and standings while others looked to make improvements with roughly the second half of the season to do so.

Boys

South Prairie-Max 57, Nedrose 35

Halfway through the first quarter of play, the Royals held a 6-0 lead over the hosting Cardinals. By the end of the first quarter, that lead had shrunk to 10-8 for the visitors.

South Prairie-Max used a pressure defense and the edge in rebounding to keep the lead as both teams went into the half with the Royals ahead 23-17 score.

With a pair of quick shots, the visitors jumped out to a 27-17 lead to start the third quarter and never looked back. Less than two minutes later that lead stretched to 33-17 with the 10-0 run.

The third quarter of play ended with South Prairie-Max holding the 38-26 lead despite the home team’s efforts to chip away at the margin.

Westhope-Newburg 83, Velva 64

In a potential showcase of post season play, the Velva Aggies traveled to Westhope-Newburg in a battle of ranked teams.

Velva entered the game ranked sixth while the hosts were ranked ninth in the latest polls. Home court advantage carried the Sioux to the strong win.

Our Redeemer’s 76, Harvey-Wells County 38

The fifth ranked Knights hosted the Hornets and posted the dominant win to defend their home court and protect their polling position.

Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood 91, Glenburn 53

The Mavericks hosted and beat Glenburn in an effort to go from receiving votes in the polls to finally being ranked.

Bottineau 63, Hazen 61

The Braves hosted Hazen and won an even battle to defend their home hardwood. At Bottineau

Girls

South Prairie-Max 79, Beulah 33

The Lady Royals hosted the Beulah Miners and kept their win streak alive with the home win. The win and the unbeaten streak will keep South Prairie-Max in first place at the top of the Division A polls.

Tioga 60, Trenton 34

The Lady Pirates hosted their rivals from Trenton and defended their gym. Tioga went into the game with the No. 3 ranking in Division B and will more than likely keep that slot with the win.

Berthold 61, TGU 57

The Lady Bombers hosted the Lady Titans on Tuesday. The teams went toe-to-toe with the home team taking the four point win. Berthold went into the contest with the No. 5 ranking in Division B and will likely keep that slot.