A scoreless stretch in the first eight minutes of the second half for Dickinson High was all Turtle Mountain needed to create some separation.
The Bravettes held a 31-28 lead at halftime and used a 13-0 run at the start of the second half to bust the game open, securing an eventual 60-45 win Friday at DHS gymnasium.
The Midgets managed to score just 12 points in the final 18 minutes, struggling again to put together two complete halves of basketball.
"In the first half we were moving the ball better than we had all year," Dickinson head coach James Hayden said. "In the second half, they did some things defensively that got us out of our rhythm. We just have to come out of the locker room and know that it's going to be a bigger battle in the second half."
Turtle Mountain (7-4, 4-4 West Region) junior Faith Dionne picked up two quick fouls in the first half, which allowed Dickinson (2-11, 1-8) to keep things close. Upon her return in the second half, the Bravettes gained some momentum.
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Dionne scored 17 points after halftime to finish with a game-high 22.
"She caused a lot of problems because we're so undersized compared to her," Hayden said. "She can do it outside, she can go inside, she's got a complete game. She's just a tough guard. We tried different looks on her. We tried man, we tried to go zone and get them out of their rhythm, and she just did a great job of playing consistently tonight."
Dickinson senior Jayde Lawlar scored 14 points for the Midgets, but just one came after halftime.
After battling in the first half, Dickinson's slowdown after halftime left Hayden puzzled.
"We weren't playing together that second half, and I don't understand why," Hayden said. "But that's something that has to be addressed and has to be fixed."
Dickinson sophomore Gabby Jung hit a trio of three-pointers for nine points, and freshman Peyton Selle added eight points. Junior Alexus Meduna also scored five.
Turtle Mountain 60, Dickinson High 45
TM: Faith Dionne 22, Hannah Golus 9, Jazemin Keplin 7, Carlie DeCoteau 7, Trinity Azure 6, Falynn Ferris 4, Taylor Keplin 3, Danielle Peltier 2.
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DHS: Jayde Lawlar 14, Gabby Jung 9, Peyton Selle 8, Alexus Meduna 5, Mariah Mortensen 4, Lexi Jordheim 3, Megan Erickson 2.
