Senior leadership to drive Bulldogs' chances

SANDPOINT — Boasting three returning starters, a front line featuring the most height in years, a varsity comprised of nine seniors and two juniors and a couple of athletic newcomers, it’s little wonder why Sandpoint boys basketball coach Tyler Haynes is excited to tip off the season tonight.

As it has for the past few years, the lone state berth from the 4A North will be hard-earned, as Lakeland, Moscow and Sandpoint are seemingly equal on paper. Haynes feels his team has a lot to prove after finishing third among the three teams last year, banking on senior leadership to help get the Bulldogs back to state.

“When you have seniors you have the ability to overcome obstacles, and that will be huge for us,” said Haynes, who plans to play more up-tempo than in the past. “We have the ability to open up the play book on both offense and defense. Maybe press more, overplay a little more and apply some pressure.”

A trio of senior returning starters will lead the charge in point guard Brandon Hawkins and forwards Cole Fuhrman and Blaine Shultz. Haynes calls Hawkins a coach and communicator on the floor, bringing great energy and competitiveness, while Fuhrman and Shultz each bring versatility along with some scoring punch.

“Cole has that scoring mentality and does things you don’t teach,” said Haynes, who also expects much from Shultz. “We’ll put Blaine everywhere, we need the ball in his hands.”

Junior Jackson Olin will start at shooting guard, and Haynes is expecting the lengthy player to fill much of the scoring void left by Stefan Buratto. The smooth-shooting Olin was the Bulldogs’ top 3-point threat last year, and can extend defenses with his long range bombs.

The front line will boast plenty of length in 6-foot-4 senior Evan Rains, 6-foot-7 senior Steven Gavin, who hasn’t played since the 8th grade, and senior 6-foot-5 transfer from Clarkston Jacob Carothers. Getting the trio of posts playing time might prove the toughest challenge.

“That’s a nice problem to have,” said Haynes. “They’re competing, and we have more depth at the post that we’ve ever had there.”

Also seeing varsity minutes will be junior Christian Kennedy and two seniors who starred in football and soccer in Eric Nikssarian and Tanner Williams, respectively. Both cat-quick and athletic, Haynes is excited to find a role for them on the floor.

“Two guys who are all-state caliber athletes,” said Haynes. “I’m excited to have them out.”

The Bulldogs tip off the season tonight at home against Timberlake. The varsity is slated to play at 7:30 p.m., preceded by the JV at 5:45 and the varsity at 4 p.m.