Bulldogs co-Inland Empire League champions

MOSCOW — While it was a solid league win for the Sandpoint girls basketball team on Friday night, unfortunately, they still fell six points short in the regular season finale.

The Bulldogs (12-8, 3-1 4A IEL) rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit to win 41-38 over Moscow (6-10, 3-1 4A IEL) in overtime on Friday night at the Bear Den, earning the co-Inland Empire League 4A championship.

Unfortunately, despite boasting a better nonleague season record, the Bulldogs will be the No. 2 seed in the district tournament. Total points in league play was used as a tie-breaker, and the Bulldogs needed to win by nine points on Friday to earn the right to host the district tournament.

Hailey Olin posted 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals, and played a key role down the stretch for the Bulldogs, who outscored the Bears 5-2 in the overtime for the road win.

Madi Shoening added eight points and eight rebounds, and Jordan Speelmon dished out five assists, as the Bulldogs overcame a poor night at the free throw line, making just 7-20 but still finding a way to win.

The Bulldogs trailed 21-13 after a sloppy first half, before Olin helped spur an 11-5 edge in the third quarter. The Bulldogs defense was stellar in the second half and overtime, holding the Bears to just 17 points after halftime.

Schoening had a chance to win it at the buzzer in regulation, but her shot wouldn’t fall. Speelmon had a big bucket and Olin hit three free throws in overtime to seal the deal.

No. 2 seed Sandpoint will host No. 3 seed Lakeland on Tuesday in 4A Region 1 tournament opener at 7 p.m. at Les Rogers Court. The winner of that game will travel to No. 1 seed Moscow on Thursday in the second round of the true double-elimination tournament.

Sandpoint 6   7   11   12   5 — 41

Moscow   14   7   5   10   2 — 38

SANDPOINT — Young 2, Liband 0, Olin 12, Speelmon 6, Williams 0, Corless 5, Martin 4, Schoening 8, Delgado 2, Alamillo 2.

MOSCOW — Davis 2, Engberg 8, Gorton 15, Kucklick 3, Landeck 2, Smith 4, Simpson 2, Stephens 2.