The sixth-seeded Hankinson Pirates ran into a defensive buzzsaw in third-seeded Bishop Ryan at the NDHSAA Division B State Tournament on Thursday. The Pirates (21-5) failed to crack double digits in a single quarter during a 45-26 loss to the Lions (24-3).
The loss sends Hankinson to the consolation semifinals against seventh-seeded Oakes (22-5) after the Tornadoes lost 50-39 against second-seeded Our Redeemer’s.
Our Redeemer’s advances to the tournament semifinal against Bishop Ryan.
Hankinson was led by Raeshaun Earl’s 16-point performance. Earl was closely covered throughout the contest, shooting 6 0f 20 from the field while pulling down a team-high nine rebounds and a game-high six steals.
Bishop Ryan was led a Ramsey Walz double-double of 19 points and 17 rebounds.
Hankinson vs. Oakes will air at 6:30 p.m. Friday on AM 1450. The game will be a rematch of the Region 1 Championship game which Hankinson won, 58-45.
