Bulldogs 'going with more of a run-and-gun style'

SANDPOINT — The names and faces will look familiar, as a host of seniors with starting varsity experience return to lead the Bulldog boys onto the hardwood this season.

But the brand of hoops on the court might look decidedly different, as the Bulldogs plan to put the gas pedal down offensively, looking to erase the memories of a two-win season and make a run to the state tournament.

Sandpoint head coach Tyler Haynes met with his team prior to the season and the players conveyed a yearning to play a more up-tempo style, which was fine with Haynes as long as his players were willing to put in the requisite work to employ such a style.

“We’re going to have fun, going with more of a run-and-gun style,” said senior point guard Matthew Burgstahler, one of four returning starters. “There is an emphasis on conditioning and a good work ethic.”

Burgstahler is in his third year on varsity, and brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the floor. Haynes said his 6-foot-2 floor general has a lot of responsibility in the running the offense, including scoring, and his attitude and intensity rubs off on teammates.

Senior shooting guard Jeremiah Gagnon will carry the bulk of the scoring load, looking to build off last season, when he showed the ability to light up the scoreboard in bunches, dropping in 53 points in back-to-back games against 5A’s Lewiston and Post Falls. He can score off the dribble and in transition, while also dangerous from beyond the arc, where he went 4-4 in one game last season.

“We know he can score, and expect a big season,” predicted Haynes of his 6-foot-3 guard. “Now he’s got the big picture of where his skills fit in and what we’re trying to achieve.”

For teams that push the ball in transition, like the Bulldogs intend to, a good spot up 3-point shooter that can hit open looks is a weapon. Providing a long range threat will be 6-2 senior swingman Thomas Edwards, who drained seven 3’s in one game last year, and also went 4-5 from downtown in another.

Senior 6-6 post Chase Rodriguez and senior 6-5 power forward Nathan Schwartz are both skilled bigs that can not only bang down low, but run the floor and finish on the break. Rodriguez showed glimpses of what he can do last year, and could be poised for a big year.

“He has a huge learning curve and picks things up so quickly,” said Haynes. “He’s ready to take on more of a role than what he’s done in the past.”

Providing depth off the bench will be another pair of seniors in 6-5 post Ian Breuner and guard Collin Jurenka, and 6-3 junior Cooper Spalding. Pushing the pace comes at a cost physically, and a deep bench could prove crucial to the success of the Bulldogs.

“This team has a whole lot of chemistry, and that’s a great way to start any kind of activity where you share a collective goal,” described Haynes. “A lot of stuff is player-driven, because they have that experience, they understand what it takes. The kids want to play up-tempo, and conditioning is what it takes to do it.”

Moscow will be the team to beat in the 4A North again, although all three teams figure to be much closer than last year, when the Bulldogs were dominated by league opponents.

Haynes has had success with senior-laden teams in the past, including 2005, 2006 and 2009, admitting that one year makes a huge difference in a high school athlete. With seven hungry seniors ready to stay in the moment and do what they need to do, another trip to state could be in the cards.

“We want to qualify for state and make as much noise as we can at state,” said Haynes of the team’s goal. “We have to develop into a championship team, have to go one step at a time.”

The Bulldogs tip off the season tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Priest River.