Kari Gibb/MDN Minot High junior Leelee Bell (30) in previous action, tallied 40 points in the Majettes win to qualify for the state tournament in Fargo next week.

BISMARCK – With the semifinal loss, the Minot High girls needed a win in the state qualifying round of contests in order to return to the 2024-2025 NDHSAA Division AA Girls Basketball Tournament this week.

The Majettes got that win 70-55 over the Bismarck St. Mary’s girls on Saturday, March 8.

The game was in doubt early as Minot High trailed until the final seconds of the first half when Leelee Bell hit a layup for the 32-31 lead at the buzzer. The second half is when the Majettes stretched their lead as the clock ticked and Bell added to her point total.

Bell scored 40 points and had 16 rebounds in the win for Minot High. Kinley Bartsch added 15 points and seven rebounds for the Majettes in the win.

The Saints were led by Mataya Messer with 27 points and 14 rebounds. Natalie Benning added nine points and ten rebounds in the game for St. Mary’s.

As the third seed from the west, Minot High will face the second seed from the east- Fargo Davies- in round one of the state tournament on Thursday, March 13, at Fargodome.