WILLISTON — A balanced scoring attack buoyed the Minot High School boys basketball team on Tuesday night.

The Magicians (2-0, 1-0 WDA) defeated WDA foe Williston (1-1, 1-1 WDA) 85-67 because of some stellar shooting.

Minot hit nine 3-pointers in the contest. Senior guard Jaxon Gunville scored 20 points, while senior center Easton Larson added 17.

Senior guard Johnny Butz and junior guard Deonte’ Martinez contributed 13 points apiece. Minot applied pressure in the first half, gaining a 44-30 advantage at the intermission.

“It was really nice to see our kids put our focus into doing the little things better,” said MHS head coach Dean Winczewski.

The Magi gained a huge edge in the assist column. Minot dished out 24 assists, while Williston mustered just 11.

Williston’s Wil Olson dropped a game-high 36 points, but his efforts proved futile.

“When you go on the road in the West Region and win a game, you’re pretty excited,” Winczewski said.

Minot will host Dickinson (0-1, 0-1 WDA) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

Majettes basketball falls 61-57 to Williston in season opener

WILLISTON — The Minot High School girls basketball team competed in a tight contest with WDA rival Williston on Tuesday night, but ultimately fell short.

Minot (0-1, 0-1 WDA) could not avenge its WDA Tournament play-in loss to the Coyotes (1-1, 1-1 WDA), dropping a 61-57 decision on the road.

The Coyotes held a 31-29 lead at halftime. Williston’s balanced scoring attack keyed the victory, as four Coyotes scored in double figures.

Bridget Carvey scored a team-high 19 points and Chesni Strand contributed 11. Brooklyn Douglas and Makia Remus added 10 apiece.

As a team, the Coyotes knocked down nine threes.

Senior guard/forward Allie Nelson paced the Majettes with a game-high 20 points. Minot senior guard Paige Rosencrans added 10.

Nelson found success at the line, converting on 6-of-7 free throw opportunities. She accounted for all of Minot’s chances at the charity stripe.

The Majettes will host WDA foe Dickinson (0-1, 0-1 WDA) at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Philion scores late game-winner for Magi hockey

BISMARCK — When the Minot High School boys hockey team needed someone to deliver the goods, Payton Philion answered the bell.

The Magicians (3-0, 2-0 WDA) earned a 2-1 victory over WDA rival Bismarck Century (2-2, 0-1 WDA) in Tuesday evening’s contest.

Last season, Philion led Minot in goals. The senior forward kept that mojo going, finding the back of the net with just 1:43 remaining in the contest.

Sophomore forward Jayden Luck scored Minot’s first goal in the game. Luck’s goal came after 8:29 had elapsed in the second period.

Both teams recorded 25 shots on goal. Minot junior goalkeeper Tre’ Sortland made 24 saves on the night.

Connor Hanson scored Century’s lone goal.

Minot will welcome Dickinson (0-3, 0-2 WDA) on Saturday at 7 p.m.

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