Bulldogs looking for an encore performance at state

SANDPOINT — After getting a little taste with its first state tournament win in 43 years last season, the Sandpoint boys basketball team is hungry to prove it was no fluke, looking to start a streak of a different kind with a return trip this year.

Leading the way will be senior co-captains and returning starters Stefan Buratto and Brandon Lawrence, who provide the Bulldogs with a potent one-two punch. Buratto features a silky jumper and is a dangerous mid-range shooter, while Lawrence gives the Bulldogs a presence on the blocks. Head coach Tyler Haynes is hoping the rest of his team follows the pair’s lead on the court.

“Stefan is an awfully good scorer, and he had a strong districts and state. When you have a go-to scorer, guys can stop and watch, and we can’t do that,” said Haynes, who also expects Lawrence to bring some athleticism to the floor as an undersized post. “He’s going to be active, flying around and moving without the ball and running the floor.”

Rounding out the starting five will be junior point guard Brandon Hawkins, senior swingman and streak-shooter Skyler Tucker and power forward Blaine Shultz. Senior Mike Hubbard, junior Cole Fuhrman and sophomore Jackson Olin will also see considerable minutes on a team loaded with depth.

“We’re a lot deeper than last year,” said Haynes. “The difference between four through nine is not a whole lot. We’ve got a core of seniors that should help the younger guys mature.”

Like last season, it will be a three-team race for the lone 4A North state berth, with the Bulldogs battling Moscow and Lakeland. Last year at the district tournament, all three teams played in two overtime games, with the Bulldogs emerging as a battle-tested and well-seasoned squad at state.

What they lack in size, the Bulldogs will make up for with speed and a wealth of strong 3-point shooters. They plan to push the ball in transition, spread teams out offensively and employ the stingy brand of defense Haynes’s teams are known for. With eight games against 5A Lewiston, Coeur d’Alene, Lake City and Post Falls, the Bulldogs’ record might take a beating, but they will be stronger for it.

“We have fun. We weren’t too serious last year,” explained Lawrence of what he learned at state last year. “We did our stuff and it worked for us.”

The Bulldogs tip off their season tonight against Cheney at 7:30 p.m. at Les Rogers Court, following the girls game at 5:45.