Moscow edges Sandpoint in tournament opener

SANDPOINT — Junior Kelsey Taylor led Moscow to a 56-54 victory over Sandpoint in the 4A Region I girls basketball tournament opener Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court.

Taylor, who finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds, scored six points in the fourth quarter to edge the Bears past Sandpoint in the closing minutes.

The Bulldogs appeared to control the tempo for most of the game, leading the Bears by six points for a few minutes in the third and fourth quarters. However, Moscow was able to capitalize on some untimely Sandpoint turnovers and take a one point lead with 3:35 remaining on the clock.

A free throw by Sandpoint senior Elle Carne tied the game at 54-54, with 1:40 left, but on the following possession Taylor was able to sink a layup for Moscow.

Junior Ashleigh Mire led Sandpoint's response by driving down court and launching a 3-point attempt. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, it bounced off the rim in the closing seconds.

Mire led the Bulldogs with 15 points, four assists and three steals. Senior Kelsey James finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

"Now we have to take the long way to get to the championship game," said Sandpoint coach Scott Salesky. "Lots of teams do it and so can we.

"We are not going to hang our heads. We have to come out and practice well tomorrow and Thursday and then take care of (Post Falls) on Friday."

As the No. 2 seed, Sandpoint will host No. 4 Post Falls on Friday at 7 p.m. at Les Rogers Court. The No. 1 seed Lakeland Hawks host Moscow on Friday.

Moscow 16 16 12 12 — 56

Sandpoint 19 14 14 7 — 54

MOSCOW — Hart 10, Tibbals 4, Scott 6, Picard 3, Calhoun 12, Dolny 6, Taylor 15.

SANDPOINT — Carne 11, Free 4, James 14, Oakley 6, Allmaras 2, Burt 2, Mire 15.