Tucker's big night leads Bulldogs over Hawks

SANDPOINT — With his team struggling offensively, Skyler Tucker stepped up and delivered a season-high 18 points, including three 3-pointers, to lead Sandpoint to a 50-49 win over Lakeland in 4A Inland Empire League action Thursday night at Les Rogers Court.

The win earns the Bulldogs (6-10, 2-2 4A IEL) the No. 2 seed in the district tournament, after Moscow secured the top seed by finishing 4A North play at 3-1. Stefan Buratto also finished with 18 points, as Lakeland had a defender in his face everywhere he went, and pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds.

“Tonight Lakeland was better prepared and out-executed us, but our kids found a way to win and I’m really proud of them,” said Bulldogs coach Tyler Haynes, whose team didn’t grab its first lead until three minutes left in the game. “Skyler stepped up huge; Buratto was struggling, and he had his back. We lean on Stefan a lot, and tonight, he was able to lean on some other guys. That’s what a team is about.”

Jackson Olin also had a huge game, making all three of his long range attempts for nine points, crucial bombs in a low scoring game.

Joel Underdah had 14 points to lead Lakeland (11-8, 2-2 4A IEL), which jumped out to an early 12-1 lead and led by five points at one time in the fourth quarter.

Kyle English may have made the shot of the year in the IEL, swishing a heave from well beyond the half court line at the buzzer after Sandpoint built a late four point lead at the foul line.

Sandpoint hosts Post Falls Saturday at 3 p.m.

Lakeland  18   8   13   10 — 49

Sandpoint  8  15   12   15 — 50

LAKELAND — English 11, Arno 2, Whitesitt 0, Davis 8, Guerber 9, Underdahl 14, Derrick 5.

SANDPOINT — Paull 0, Tucker 18, Lawrence 2, Buratto 18, Olin 9, Hawkins 0, Shultz 3, Fuhrman 0.