Sandpoint girls escape Lewiston with a buzzer beater

LEWISTON — Scoring a game-high 24 points, Sandpoint junior Ashleigh Mire hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to edge the Bulldogs past Lewiston 49-46 in Inland Empire League girls basketball action Friday night.

The Bulldogs, who opened the game with 20 points, went ice cold in the second period scoring just three. Fortunately for Sandpoint, Lewiston couldn't find the basket either, recording only one free throw.

After a dead-even third period performance by both teams, Sandpoint found a spark early in the fourth to build their lead to 15 points.

However, with seven minutes left and the Bulldogs in foul trouble, Lewiston made a run at Sandpoint. A 3-pointer by senior guard Ashley Zenner ended the Bengal's 23-point rally and tied the game, with 20 seconds left.

On the following Lewiston possession, Mire came up with a steal and capped it off by hitting a 3-pointer from NBA range to win.

Zenner led the Bengals with 14 points, while senior guard Krisi Packer added 13 to the scoreboard.

The Bulldogs had six point games from senior Elle Carne, junior Kendal Burt and senior Kelsey James, while junior Tori Allmaras led Sandpoint's defensive effort.

The Bulldogs play host to Coeur d'Alene at 6 p.m. tonight at Sandpoint High School.

Sandpoint 20 3 10 16 — 49

Lewiston 12 1 10 23 — 46

SANDPOINT — Mire 24, Carne 6, Burt 6, James 6, Free 2, Swerin 2, Allmaras 2, Taylor 1.

LEWISTON — Zenner 14, Kalbfleisch 5, Packer 13, Wilks 7, Fabrique 5, Einsphar 2.