Olin, Shoening earn spots on all-IEL basketball team

SANDPOINT — As a pair, Sandpoint’s Hailey Olin and Madi Schoening played a huge role in helping the Bulldog girls post a 14-10 record, and this week they were recognized on the 4A All-Inland Empire League team, as voted on by the league’s coaches.

Schoening, who had an instant impact as a freshman, was named Newcomer of the Year. She averaged 10 points, four rebounds and two steals, and shot 43 percent from the field, many baskets coming on drives to the hoop.

First year Bulldogs head coach Bill Bender said it was Schoening’s steady growth as a complete player over the course of the season that caught opposing coach’s eyes.

“One comment by the other coaches was that it was clear she was offensively skilled,” said Bender. “But what stuck out was how she improved defensively and as a team player.”

Olin excels in every aspect of the game, and stuffed the stat sheet each night to the tune of 11 points, five boards, three assists and two steals. Bender said she was a consensus pick among the other coaches.

“Her natural leadership is obvious to anyone that watches her,” said Bender of Olin. “She has great skills and a great understanding of the game.”

The Bulldogs were knocking on the door of going to state this year, and Olin and Schoening will return next year to lead a team that only loses one senior.

“We’re going to have to improve our shooting and ball handling skills, and Hailey and Madi have committed to that,” said Bender, lauding their leadership. “They’re hard workers and they set a great example for everyone else.”

n ALL-4A INLAND EMPIRE LEAGUE

Player of the Year — Kylie Gorton, sr., Moscow.

Coach of the Year — Robin Barnes, Moscow.

Newcomer of the Year — Madi Schoening, fr., Sandpoint.

MOSCOW — Chloe Quinett, jr., Joelle Stephens, so., Ashley Enberg, jr. SANDPOINT — Hailey Olin, jr. LAKELAND — Kacie Derby, sr.