Defense keys Bulldogs' victory

SANDPOINT — Stingy defense and balanced scoring propelled Sandpoint to a 40-24 win over Priest River in nonleague girls basketball action Friday night at Les Rogers Court.

Charissa Chatburn scored a game-high 10 points, including an NBA distance 3-pointer at the first quarter buzzer, as the Bulldogs (6-7) jumped out to an early 13-4 lead.

Maggie Kirscher added nine points, five boards and five assists, Hailey Olin scored eight to go with 11 rebounds, freshman Hannah Neuman scored six in more extended minutes and Jordan Speelmon dished out four assists for the Bulldogs.

“I like our balance, getting everybody involved,” said Sandpoint head coach Lance Bruce, who likes how his team is finishing games. “We’re staying course; not getting too high or too low.”

The Bulldogs have now held eight of their last 10 opponents under 30 points, something Bruce attributes to communication and playing together.

Sophomore guard Steffie Pavey scored eight and Melissa Trost six for the Spartans (3-7), who scored only nine second half points in defeat.

Sandpoint hosts Moscow today in a 4A North showdown. Tip off is at 4:15 p.m.

Priest River   4   11    6    3 — 24

Sandpoint    13   9     7    1 — 40

PRIEST RIVER — Luckey 2, Weimer 0, Trost 6, Pavey 8, Stewart 0, Oscarson 2, Bradbury 2, Doolittle 0, Halcro 3, Hirst 1.

SANDPOINT — Van Ooyen 0, Chatburn 10, Kirscher 9, Roop 4, Speelmon 1, Bruce 2, Olin 8, Neumann 6.

n The Sandpoint boys game against Priest River was still in progress at the Daily Bee press time. The game was moved from Les Rogers Court to Sandpoint Middle School due to a leak in the roof, pushing the tip off back.