Kari Gibb/MDN Minot High junior Grayson Shaeffer (34) wins the opening tip over Bismarck Century junior Drew Kempel (11) while Bismarck Century senior Ajura Spears (34) watches at Minot High gym Friday.

The Magicians lived up to their top ranking and their mascot name as they added another magical win over visiting Bismarck Century 59-37 at Minot High. The game was in question until the last minutes of the first half, as the Minot High boys worked hard for a 32-23 lead in the first half of play and never lost that lead.

The visiting Patriots made the trip to Minot full of energy to tackle the Magi. Solid defense, rebounding and hustle kept Bismarck Century in the game and never let the home team stretch the lead out of reach.

The back and forth battle between the two teams continued into the last minutes of the game. Both home and visiting players found moments of momentum at various points. The lead established at the end of the first half was the difference in the game.

Minot High did well from the free throw line hitting 10 of 14 while the Patriots were 4 of 6 in the game. When the Magi fouled, it was usually not in the act of a Bismarck Century player shooting.

Minot High was led by scoring by junior Aric Winczewski with 20 points followed by senior Logan Conklin and junior Payton Schell with 16 and 10 respectively. Six Magi added to the total score.

The Patriots were led by Isiah Schafer with 12 and four other players added in the effort.

Bismarck Century falls to 16-4 with the loss and will be at Bismarck to end their regular season on Feb 20.

Minot High improves to 19-1 and will finish their regular season with Bismarck Legacy making the trip north on Feb. 20 as well.