Logen Ystaas (3) of the Des Lacs-Burlington Lakers attacking the basket in a 56-47 win over the TGU Titans at the Hoopster Classic on Thursday.

Marking the beginning of another exciting, basketball-filled day in the Magic City were the TGU Titans (6-2 overall, 3-1 Region 6) and the Des Lacs-Burlington Lakers (2-3 overall, 0-1 Region 6) as the two girls’ basketball teams clashed in a Region 6 showdown to open the 2022 Hoopster Classic at the Minot Auditorium.

Entering play on Thursday, the Titans had the luxury of having more experience, with eight games under their belt so far this season. Before falling to the Our Redeemer’s Knights on Dec. 22, the Titans were riding a hot streak by winning five in a row.

In their most recent action, the Lakers were able to get back on track after ending a three-game losing skid with a win over Stanley on Dec. 20. Against a tough Titans team, the Lakers enter play looking to win consecutive games for the first time this season.

Led by a trio of players who each scored in double digits, as well as unselfish play and solid defense, the Lakers were able to pick up consecutive wins as they topped the Titans 56-47 to begin the Hoopster Classic on Thursday.

Taking the opening tip and gaining possession were the Lakers, who got a 3-pointer by Logen Ystaas as time expired on the shot clock to open the scoring in the game. Following the deep shot, it took both teams time to settle into their game.

The Titans began playing fast, running the court, and attacking the basket to help themselves establish a 12-11 lead with 2:13 to go in the opening quarter. The trio of Ashley Martodam, Sophie Bachmeier, and Josie Bryn all contributed points during the run.

With the Titans stretching out to a four-point lead, Allie Glasoe of the Lakers would bring it back to within a point by sinking a 3-pointer. Paige Berard would follow that up with a steal and layup on the next possession to give the Lakers a 16-15 lead, which they would take into the second quarter.

Following a first quarter that featured scoring in bunches once both teams got going, the second quarter was a quieter affair with only three total points scored by both teams near the halfway mark.

Kaylee Werner of the Lakers would sink a 3-pointer, then Bachmeier of the Titans would do the same on the next possession, trimming the Lakers’ lead to 21-18 nearing the break. Wanting to take the results into her own hands, Bachmeier would add another 3-pointer to even the tilt at 21-21 with 2:18 left in the opening half.

Putting the team on her back before the break was Deborah Amsden of the Lakers, who got a late basket, as well as a key offensive rebound that gave Ystaas an opportunity to nail a layup at the buzzer. With the late run, the Lakers took a 29-21 lead into the locker room.

Quickly into the third quarter, the Lakers’ lead reached double digits on a 3-pointer by Ystaas and a beautiful pass from Berard to Werner for another basket. The Titans, however, wouldn’t lie down in the fight, as they got a 3-pointer from Addison Neshem and a bucket from Martodam to erase the double-digit deficit.

A timely offensive rebound by Berard which would lead to a Glasoe layup would help the Lakers secure a 39-30 lead, which they would take into the final quarter of play. The Lakers were displaying solid defense throughout the game, and while that would slip up a bit in the final frame, it would not haunt them.

It was the Titans turn to erupt to begin the fourth quarter, as a steal and basket by Neshem got the team on the board twice early on and gave them life. Martodam would sink a 3-pointer, which then brought the game to single digits at 43-37. At this point, the Titans began pressing and picking up the pace as they were hopeful to secure the comeback.

However, it seemed like each time the Titans were surging and bringing the game even closer, Zannah Bjerklie of the Lakers was able to squash the momentum, coming up big in key moments down the stretch that helped the Lakers secure a win.

With the Titans bringing the game to within five points multiple times in the fourth quarter, Bjerklie added two buckets to stop two separate runs, and got a late steal that were difference makers for the Lakers in a 56-47 win over the Titans.

The trio of Allie Glasoe (16), Logen Ystaas (16), and Kaylee Werner (12) led the way for the Lakers in scoring. Zannah Bjerkle (6), Deborah Amsden (3), and Paige Berard (3) rounded things out for Des Lacs-Burlington.

Sophie Bachmeier led the way for the Titans with 15 points. Ashley Martodam (13), Addison Neshem (8), Josie Bryn (8), and Bostyn Bailey (3) all contributed as well.

Following a brief break, the Titans have a huge game lined up next when they hit the road to take on the No. 3 Rugby Panthers on Jan. 3 at 7:15 p.m. On the same day, the Lakers will have a home contest when they host North Star at 5 p.m.