Bulldogs stumble, lose to Jerome
BOISE — A frenetic two-week stretch, highlighted by their first win at the state tournament in 43 years, came to an end on Saturday morning as the Sandpoint Bulldogs finally ran out of gas, losing 83-67 to Jerome in the third-place game of the state 4A boys basketball tournament at Borah High School.
It was a great run for Sandpoint (10-16), which won three straight loser-out games in districts just to get to state, before knocking off Bishop Kelly in the first round and earning the right to play for the school’s first-ever boys basketball trophy.
Sandpoint coach Tyler Haynes said before the tournament he believed his team had both the senior leadership and character to leave its mark, and they did, finishing fifth at state to put the finishing touches on a season in which many people had written them off.
Stefan Buratto had a monster game for Sandpoint, scoring 25 points to go with five rebounds and five assists, while helping keep Sandpoint in the game. The junior scored 15 of his points in the second half, as the Bulldogs fought to chip away at Jerome’s double-digit lead for much of the half.
“He had a phenomenal game,” said Haynes of Buratto. “We just couldn’t stop them (Jerome). We played as well as we’ve played all year, they’re just a very good team.”
Ultimately, the long-range marksmanship of Logan Parker proved to be the difference in the game, as the guard shot 7 for 13 from beyond the arc, leading Jerome (24-3) with a game-high 31 points. He hit three daggers in a row in the third quarter, as Jerome outscored Sandpoint 23-11 and blew open a game that had been tight to that point.
“As much as we couldn’t stop Parker, they (Jerome) couldn’t stop Buratto,” said Haynes, who despite the season-ending loss was pleased with the way his players fought to finish off the season with a fifth-place finish. “They were happy and proud of what they’ve done.”
Senior Spencer Swerin held his own on the blocks with a double-double, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds, and senior point guard Tanner French stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, four rebounds, four steals and three assists for Sandpoint, ending his basketball career with a stellar showing at the state tournament. Brandon Lawrence added nine points and five rebounds to go with his customary stellar defense in the losing effort.
Sandpoint was only down four at half, thanks in part to a quick seven-point outburst late in the second quarter by junior Skyler Tucker, who emerged as a scoring option down the stretch after playing the entire regular season on the junior varsity.
It seemed like every time Sandpoint would get something going, Parker had an answer. Jerome shot a gaudy 55 percent from the floor while Sandpoint shot 40 percent.
Jerome 14 22 23 24 — 83
Sandpoint 12 21 11 23 — 67
JEROME — Lammers 4, Stauffer 0, Hillier 0, Callen 9, Parker 31, Bos 2, Pearce 16, McDonald 0, Harber 1, Tolman 0, Ingraham 6, Capps 0, Williams 14. Totals 30-54 16-22 83.
SANDPOINT — Olin 5, French 11, Lawrence 9, Cafferty 0, Siegel 0, Kuhl 0, Swerin 10, Shultz 0, Salter 0, Buratto 25, Tucker 7. Totals 27-67 7-12 67.