BISMARCK – The Minot High Magi took the trip down to Bismarck March 6 to play in the first round of the West Region Boys Basketball Tournament. Minot High, the two seed of the tournament, played Minot North, the seven seed.

The Magi proved why they hold a top spot in the tournament and beat the Sentinels 71-57. Minot High’s players all work hard for their wins with three players scoring over 15 points in the game against the Sentinels.

Friday, March 7 the Magi played against the Bismarck High Demons, the three seed, in the semifinal round of the tournament. Minot High beat Bismarck High twice already this season, but their third matchup didn’t play out in Minot High’s favor. After a long battle the Magi dropped the semifinal game to the Demons 74-64.

Minot High kept the game close throughout the first half of the game. The Magi tied the game 42-42 at half time after coming back from the Demons ten point lead early in the half. Bismarck High out scored Minot High in the second half of the game 32-22 and took the 74-64 win over the Magi.

Playing as the visitor Bismarck High dominated the court. The Demon’s score was primarily led by the one and only Andre Austin with 30 points. Austin was making shots wherever he was open.

Austin earned the Demons 12 points out on the arc, 12 more points under the basket and took a few trips to the free throw line for six extra foul points. Austin also led his team in rebound and picked up eight defensive rebounds and one offensive rebound.

Khaliq Austin made the second most for the Demons with ten points. K. Austin played on the wing and made two 3-pointers and four free throw points. Artie Carlow followed closely behind for Bismarck High with eight more points.

Minot High spread out its scoring more than the Demons. Grayson Schaeffer and Aric Winczewski led the score for the Magi. Winczewski made 21 points for Minot High the most on the team. Winczewski made 10 baskets, five 3-three pointers, two points in the lane and four points at the foul line.

Minot High’s Schaeffer played an impressive game and didn’t miss a single shot. Schaeffer went 2-for-2 on the arc, 2-for-2 at the free throw line and 5-for-5 in the lane. Schaeffer totaled 18 points and picked up the most rebounds for the Magi with seven defensive rebounds and one offensive rebound.

Fischer Johnson and Payton Schell brought in the next most points for Minot High. Johnson made nine points for the Magi, Schell followed with eight. Both athletes picked up two offensive and two defensive rebounds.

Minot High will continue to play through the tournament on the backside today against Mandan, the fourth seed, in a state qualifying game at the Bismarck Event Center. The other state qualifying matchup is the fifth seeded Bismarck Legacy against the sixth seeded Dickinson boys.

The West Region title game will be the top seeded Bismarck Century against the third seeded Bismarck High boys today.