United Tribes has hit their stride at the right time this season. After a thrilling one point semifinal win over Dakota College Bottineau all that stood between the Lady Thunderbirds and a chance at a Region title was Bay College. The Thunderbirds got off to a sluggish start and trailed 21-13 after the first quarter. The pace picked up in the second quarter and after a K’Lona Lofton runner in the lane they would outscore Bay by twelve and take a 37-33 lead at the half. They extended that lead to 56-46 going into the fourth and were able to hold off Bay College 80-70 to claim the programs second Region XIII Title.
Leading the way for the Thunderbirds was Lofton. She finished the game with 27 points and 7 rebounds. Also reaching double figures for the Thunderbirds was Tariq Brownotter with 21 points. The sophomore point guard added 5 steals and 4 assists. Freshman guard Jasmyne Two Moons had another solid all around game with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Mia Wilkinson had a double double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Kierra Johnson was named the Region XIII MVP and Kelsey Peltier was named Region XIII Coach of the Year. Tariq Brownotter was named to the All-Region XIII team.
United Tribes will travel to Nebraska on March 9th to face the winner of North Platte and Central Community College in the District F title game. The winner will advance to the National Tournament.