Bulldogs fall to Trojans in 4A opener

COEUR d'ALENE — Post Falls took a double-digit lead in the opening minutes of Friday's 4A Regional boys tournament and didn't relent, netting a 65-56 victory over Sandpoint to advance to the championship game versus Moscow.

But despite the loss, Sandpoint coach Tyler Haynes said he could find no fault in his team's effort.

"This has been such an enjoyable group to coach all year long," he said. "They've never given up and our morale is very high. … Our goal now to get in a position to keep our season going."

The Bulldogs will face Lakeland today at 4:15 p.m. in a loser-out contest.

"Someone's season is going to be finished — nobody wants that," Haynes said.

Post Falls Spencer Pingel posted nine points during a 17-6 run to start the contest. While Sandpoint responded to close the gap back to within three before the second quarter, the damage had been done.

"We came out tight and we were looking for five guys that were relaxed and ready to play," Haynes said. "We made mistakes that hurt us."

The Bulldogs would trail by as many as 12 points in the second half, but closed to within five points in the final minute. The Trojans then closed out the contest by hitting 9-of-10 from the free-throw line down the stretch.

Sandpoint 14 8 13 2 — 56

Post Falls 21 10 12 22 — 65

SANDPOINT — K. Meaux 0, Armbruster 0, Gibson 3, Hanson 7, Butler 0, Brewer 19, Lowther 9, Swerin 0, Henderson 2, Shultz 16, A. Meaux 0

POST FALLS — Pingel 16, Bodman 9, Schneidmiller 0, Deines 7, M. Aune 2, Hamilton 11, Turk 0, Haas 16, J. Aune 0, Hudec 4.