'We'll compete for that state bid'

SANDPOINT — Despite coming off a trying 2-20 season, optimism is running high this year for the Sandpoint girls basketball team, so high head coach Lance Bruce has set his his team’s goal as making it to the state tournament.

With a host of returning varsity players and a couple of talented newcomers, the goal is very much attainable.

“I know it’s a leap,” said Bruce, who was forced put a young and inexperienced squad on the floor last year during a clear rebuilding season. “But by January, when we get the new pieces together, we’ll compete for that state bid.”

Leading the way will be senior forward and captain Christina Johnson, whom Bruce called a great leader and one of the hardest working players he has ever coached.

“Props to C.J. Under tough circumstances, she stuck it out last year and began to build our program,” said Bruce. “Being a three sport athlete, she knows what it takes and is willing to do whatever it takes at any position to make us the team we can be.”

Johnson will join guards Alex Bucholtz and Charissa Chatburn in the starting lineup, along with Natasha Roop at post and sophomore newcomer Maggie Kirscher, a transfer from Coeur d’Alene High School, at power forward. Kirscher and senior Koko James, who opted not to play as a junior, will team with Roop and Johnson to give the Bulldogs a formidable and athletic front line.

Roop, a junior, started every game last season and brings some solid fundamentals to the blocks. Chatburn, a junior, emerged as a threat from beyond the arc last season, and Bucholtz, just a sophomore, is one of the better defenders in the league. Junior Jesse Mead and sophomore Mackenzie Jones each bring varsity experience off the bench.

Bruce is hoping a trio of new varsity players can step up and contribute as well. Sophomore Jenny Van Ooyen, junior Cheyanne Tucker and freshman Jordan Speelmon will all see minutes at the guard position.

Last year’s team struggled early in the season, but came on strong toward the end. Bruce is expecting them to pick up where they left off, and continue to build the program into a more consistent league power.

“With everyone back from last year, and a couple of surprises, we’re coming in a lot more optimistic,” said Bruce. “We had a good spring and summer turnout and started bonding and coming together; that’s big.”

Tipoff at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Les Rogers Court.