Des Lacs-Burlington Laker, Zane Bjerklie (15) dribbles the ball past Cardinal defenders Brickson Burckhard (10). The Lakers hosted the Cardinals for a senior night game Tuesday, February 18. Emma Buee/MDN

The Des Lacs-Burlington (DLB) Lakers are rounding out their season with three final games before the state qualifying tournaments start. The Lakers hosted the Nedrose Cardinals Tuesday, February 18 at the Dock. DLB held an overall 10-8 (win-loss) record and a 5-0 record in the region going into the game. If the Lakers collect a few more wins it could set them up well for qualifying tournaments after the regular season.

DLB put on a show. After two 30 point wins from the C-Squad team and JV teams the Lakers pulled off one more victory, a 72-42 win over the Cardinals. The Laker support was apparent with a fully packed gym and full student section for senior night at The Dock.

The Lakers quickly out scored the Cardinals in the first quarter of the game. Colton Feller and Easton Anderson led the score for the DLB with six points each. Dew Roedocker followed with five points, one basket on the arc and one in the paint. The last four Laker points were made by Jace Crocket and Jake Schaefer.

DLB put up a tough defense and only let one shooter get to the basket. Jayden Wills put up nine points for Nedrose, all nine from deep.

DLB continued to build their lead through the second quarter. Feller once again led the score for the Lakers with six points in the lane and a trip to the free throw line for two extra points. Roedocker hit another three, followed by teammate Zane Bjerklie with two points.

Nedrose’s Wills hit another 3-pointer. Kaedin Bader and Kialeb Eggen both made their way to the basket for two Cardinal points each. Derek Heinert led scoring in the quarter for the Cardinals with four points.

The Lakers held a 45-20 lead at halftime.

The third quarter was led by Crockett who brought in six points from under the basket. Feller trailed behind with five points of his own. Schaefer and Roedocker each put up a 3-pointer, Roedocker followed that with one point from the foul line.

The Cardinals scored 11 points in the third quarter of the game but were unable to close the gap to the lead. Eggen and Heinert each went up for four points in the lane. Wills made an extra point for the Cardinals at the foul line. Bader finished out the quarter for Nedrose with two final points.

With a strong lead in the fourth quarter the Lakers put in several of their bench players. Feller and Crockett each made another two points. Bjerklie came back to play and hit a 3-pointer. Will Marquart ended the game for the Lakers with two final points to secure a 72-42 win.

The Lakers will be on the road to play Dunseith Friday, February 21. DLB will host their final home game of the regular season against Bottineau Friday, February 28 starting at 7:15 p.m. The Region 3 Division A tournament will be held at the Minot State Dome March 10-13.

Class A Boys Recaps

Stanley 55, South Prairie-Max 38

The Blue Jays hosted the Royals in a Region 3 showdown. The hosts protected their third place slot in region standings with the win while the visitors are still in a dog-fight with TMCHS for the seventh and eighth slots as the season winds down.

Stanley is working to overtake Bottineau for the second slot in region standings while working to keep New Town behind them.

The Blue Jays are at Bottineau on Friday, February 21, and host Rugby on Friday, February 28, to wind down the regular season. The Royals host Nedrose on Friday this week and are at Watford City on Saturday, February 22.

New Town 74, Rugby 57

New Town traveled to Rugby in an effort to keep the Panthers at bay in Region 3, Division A standings. No seeding is guaranteed yet, but the win for New Town keeps them firmly at the fourth slot while Rugby is behind them at the fifth slot.

The Eagles will host TMCHS on Friday this week and travel to Nedrose on Friday of next week to close out the regular season. Rugby will host Hazen this Friday and be at Stanley next Friday for their final game of the regular season.

Bottineau 86, Dunseith 51

Bottineau hosted Dunseith in a Region 3 showdown for seeding and the Braves protected their home hardwood along with the second slot in region standings. The Dragons are behind Rugby by one game in district play and sit in the sixth slot currently.

The Braves will host Stanley in a No. 2 versus No. 3 contest in region standings on Friday this week. Next Friday Bottineau will be at Des Lacs-Burlington for the final regular season game.

Dunseith will host Des Lacs-Burlington on Friday this week and travel to play TMCHS on Friday next week to wrap up the regular season.