The LaMoure-Litchville/Marion Loboes achieved a historic milestone on March 7, 2026, by winning their first NDHSAA Division B state title. They triumphed over the Central McLean Cougars with a final score of 64-49 in the championship game held at the Minot State Dome.
From the outset, the Cougars took an early lead of 5-2, but the Loboes quickly seized control. Within a minute, the Loboes had turned the tide and never relinquished their advantage throughout the game. Junior guard Addy Smith emerged as a key player, scoring 13 of her 19 points in the first quarter, enabling the Loboes to establish a solid 23-11 lead by the end of the opening period.
The Loboes’ defensive prowess was particularly evident in the second quarter. They limited the Cougars to just six points, allowing them to build a substantial 37-17 lead at halftime. Despite strong efforts from Central McLean’s junior guard Morgan Snyder, who scored a game-high 33 points, the Cougars faced an uphill battle. Snyder managed to score 12 points during the first half, but the Loboes’ dominance on the boards and their effective shooting ultimately made the difference.
Rebounding played a critical role in LaMoure-Litchville/Marion’s victory. The Loboes outperformed the Cougars on the glass, accumulating 51 rebounds compared to the Cougars’ 30, including a remarkable 20 offensive rebounds. In contrast, Central McLean struggled with their three-point shooting, converting only one of four attempts in the first quarter and failing to make any of their subsequent 13 attempts, finishing the game with a mere 6% shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
The victory not only marked LaMoure-Litchville/Marion’s first state title but also ended Central McLean’s impressive 19-game winning streak. The Loboes finished their season with a nine-game winning streak, concluding with an overall record of 26-2.
In the final statistics, the Loboes’ scoring breakdown revealed contributions from key players, including Norah DelaBarre, who recorded her third consecutive double-double of the tournament with 20 points and 18 rebounds. Other notable contributions came from Mia Van Eeden with 11 points, Jada Smith with 6 points, Julia DelaBarre with 5 points, and Onika Lesko with 3 points. The team finished the game shooting 19-for-53 from the field and 19-for-31 from the free-throw line, alongside three three-pointers from Smith and Van Eeden.
Central McLean’s efforts included scoring from players such as Aryah Ross with 6 points and Sally Heger with 3 points, but their efforts fell short against the Loboes’ formidable defense and rebounding advantage.
The LaMoure-Litchville/Marion Loboes’ victory in the 2026 NDHSAA Division B Girls Basketball State Tournament not only highlights their skill on the court but also sets a precedent for future teams, marking a significant achievement in the school’s athletic history.
