Defensive breakdowns cost boys

SANDPOINT — Warren Joiner scored 28 points to lead the Lumberjacks, and defensive miscues proved costly for Sandpoint, as the Bulldog boys fell 72-61 to St. Maries in nonleague basketball Thursday night at Les Rogers Court.

Jackson Olin scored 16 and Ryan Schwartz 14 to lead the Bulldogs (4-10), who gave up 44 second half points after leading by one at half time.

“We had a lot of defensive breakdowns, not doing what we’re supposed to be doing, and we’re not talented enough to have breakdowns,” said Bulldogs head coach Tyler Haynes after the game. “We scored enough points to win tonight.”

Schwartz and Olin each hit three 3-pointers, Adam Couch added eight Nick Nelson seven in defeat.

The Lumberjacks (8-2), currently ranked No. 3 in the state 3A ranks, passed the ball crisply and hit the open shots. Joiner did the bulk of the damage inside, as the 6-3 junior was the recipient of some nice interior passes.

“The attacked the press,” said Lumberjack coach Craig Wicks, lauding his team’s improved defense. “We were contesting shots and closing out on guys, that was the key.”

Sandpoint is at Priest River on Thursday.

St. Maries   12   16   19   25 — 72

Sandpoint   15   14   15   17 — 61

St. MARIES — Joiner 28, Stapleton 1, Schetzle 10, Kennelly 4, Ryle 14, Linnemeyer 8, McMaster 7.

SANDPOINT — N. Schwartz 3, Burgstahler 4, Nitcy 2, R. Schwartz 14, Nelson 7, Olin 16, Howk 5, Couch 8, Litzell 2.