Bulldogs and Bears wage big battles

SANDPOINT — Inland Empire League 4A North foes Sandpoint and Moscow will wage battle in two pivotal games today, as both the boys and girls basketball teams travel south to invade the Bear Den.

The Bulldog girls must beat Moscow to extend their season in a loser-out game, after No. 1 seed Bears (6-15) blew an eight point second half lead and fell to No. 2 seed Lakeland 48-45 on Thursday.

The last time the Bulldogs (7-14) played in Moscow they lost 41-35, and will look to extend their season another game. Junior Maggie Kirscher and freshman Hailey Olin each scored 14 points in the Bulldogs’ loss at Lakeland on Tuesday, and will look to carry much of the scoring load again tonight.

The Bulldog boys are hoping today marks their final bus trip to Moscow for the year, as home court advantage is at stake in today’s game, which was moved up to a 3:30 p.m. tip off to accommodate the girls game.

The Bulldogs (9-8) ratcheted up the defense in a 41-33 win in the first meeting of the season, and since Moscow would win the tie-breaker should each team finish 4A IEL play at 3-1, a win tonight is imperative.

Blaine Shultz and Cole Fuhrman have been the Bulldogs’ main offensive weapons, with Christian Kennedy, Jackson Olin, Jacob Carothers, Evan Rains and Brandon Hawkins providing solid minutes.