Bulldog girls fall to Spartans on Senior Night

SANDPOINT — Taylor Stewart scored a game-high 14 points to lead Priest River to a 50-30 win over Sandpoint in nonleague girls basketball Wednesday during Senior Night at Les Rogers Court.

Melissa Hopkins and Tristan Troudt each added 11 for the Spartans (11-6), who were coming off a hard-fought win over Bonners Ferry the previous night.

“We knew Sandpoint was pretty beat up,” said Spartans head coach Gary Stewart. “We’re looking to turn the corner for districts and trying to fight for that No. 1 seed.”

Koko James scored six points and grabbed seven rebounds, playing in her final home game. Close friend and fellow-senior Christina Johnson did not suit up, and will remain out until districts with a head injury. The two close friends were the lone seniors honored.

“If you could put a picture of a model student-athlete, those two would be it,” said Sandpoint head coach Lance Bruce. “I expect at some point they’ll both be coaches.”

Maggie Kirscher scored nine points to lead the Bulldogs (1-18), who were plagued by 31 turnovers as new players adjust to new roles. Mackenzie Jones added four steals and sophomore Leah Heer continues to make the most of her call up to varsity, scoring six points and grabbing five boards in defeat.

“They’re not going to give up; they’re committed,” said Bruce of his team. “The charisma has been more than any coach could ask for.”

Sandpoint is at Moscow on Saturday.

Priest River   6   14   17   13 — 50

Sandpoint     6    6   11    7 — 30

PRIEST RIVER — Troudt 11, Stewart 14, Trost 2, Pavey 1, Stewart 6, Stokes 0, Hopkins 11, Halcro 0, Hirst 5.

SANDPOINT — Van Ooyen 0, Jones 0, James 6, Chatburn 4, Kirscher 9, Roop 4, Heer 6, Speelmon 1.