BERTHOLD — Although the Lewis & Clark-Berthold boys basketball team enjoyed a solid first half against Des Lacs-Burlington, head coach Christopher Brown warned his team of the Lakers’ potential.

The Bombers (7-3, 1-1 District 12) blazed ahead early, taking a 32-20 lead into halftime. The Lakers (4-7, 0-2 District 12) battled back in the 62-56 contest, but the deficit became insurmountable.

“We always talk about basketball being a game of runs,” Brown said. “We knew with the great shooters (the Lakers) are, they were going to throw a storm at us. If you have a team of great shooters like that and they shoot as many 3-pointers as they do, they’re going to make some.”

Berthold forced several DLB miscues in the first half. The Bombers’ transition attack paved the way for easy points.

“We’re a gritty bunch,” Brown said. “We’re going to work hard, we’re going to lean on each other and we’re going to pick each other up when we need it the most.”

The Lakers showed resolve in the second half. DLB made less mistakes and hit some open shots.

With the air out of the gym for a moment, DLB trimmed the deficit to five. As time expired in the third quarter, Berthold junior forward Walker Wold breathed new life into the Bombers.

Wold received a pass in the left corner and didn’t hesitate to shoot. His 3-pointer found nothing but nylon and gave Berthold a 48-40 lead.

“They wanted me to get the ball,” Wold said. “They found me right in the corner. I just knocked it down after my teammates set me up.”

DLB would not lie down, however. Some drive-and-kick penetration fostered an efficient outside attack.

Berthold clung to a 60-56 lead with 22 seconds remaining. The Lakers missed a 3-pointer and fouled, giving sophomore guard Patrick Simons a chance for two shots at the charity stripe.

With the home crowd behind him, Simons nailed both shots. The deal was sealed.

“District play is just awesome,” Wold said. “It’s good teams who play together and have fun.”

Wold scored a game-high 25 points, while Berthold sophomore guard Huntyrr Anderson added 18. DLB senior forward Jacob Burleson finished with a team-high 23 points.

“We have a tendency to spot the other team a lead,” DLB head coach Tyler Ystaas said. “We play like our hair is on fire. All of a sudden, we’re right back in the game. But it ends up being too little, too late. When we have to start fouling, we’re putting the game in the other team’s hands. Berthold played a good, consistent game.”

Both teams will resume play on Thursday. Berthold will travel to Mohall/Lansford/Sherwood (5-5, 2-0 District 12) for a 7 p.m. contest, while DLB will welcome South Prairie (6-4, 0-2 District 12) at 7:15 p.m.

“Every player that played made a special play tonight,” Brown said. “They did enough for us. That’s what we count on.”

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.