Balanced Bulldogs bounce Hawks in playoff opener
SANDPOINT — A quick start and balanced scoring were two big keys in Sandpoint’s 56-47 win over Lakeland in the 4A Region 1 girls basketball tournament opener on Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court.
The No. 2 see Bulldogs (13-8) came out on fire, building a 16-5 lead on the strength of 3-pointers by Madi Shoening and Kendra Corless. Six Bulldogs scored at least seven points in the game, led by Hailey Olin with 11 and Cassie Young with 10, as the duo worked a solid inside-out game to create some great looks.
No. 3 seed Lakeland bounced back with a solid second quarter, capitalizing on some sloppy play by Sandpoint to cut the halftime deficit to one point. Josie Coder led the Hawks (3-17) with 20 points on 6-12 shooting, hitting a variety of runners and off-balance shots, and also dished out four assists.
Young scored six points in the third quarter for the Bulldogs, and Olin scored five straight points to turn a 31-30 lead into a 14 point lead, essentially putting the game away early in the fourth quarter.
“We said in the locker room that this was the best team effort one through 10 all season,” said Bender, praising the timely shooting of Maryah Delgado and Corless, who combined for 15 points. “We had overall trust that every player on the floor was there for their teammate. We played with no fear, just absolute confidence in what we’re about.”
Kelly Ramus added 10 points and five rebounds and Jordan Ward eight points and four steals for the Hawks, who erased one double digit deficit in the first half but could not do it a second time in the fourth quarter.
“We just dug an early hole and stopped executing in the fourth quarter,” said Hawks coach Steve Seymour. “Josie did a good job getting to the hoop and hitting a few big shots.”
Sandpoint now turns its attention to one of the biggest girls games in years on Thursday, as the Bulldogs travel south to face No. 1 seed Moscow. A win by the Bulldogs would steal home court advantage, and greatly help their chances of getting to state.
The Bulldogs won in overtime last week in Moscow, and will be looking to make it two straight road wins in the Bear Den, no easy task.
“Our defense must be consistent and team-oriented,” said Bender of the key to beating the Bears. “No easy baskets and no silly turnovers.”
Tip off for the second round game is Thursday, at 7 p.m. AM 1400 will carry the game live.
Lakeland 9 12 11 15 — 47
Sandpoint 16 7 14 19 — 56
LAKELAND — Vanderhoof 0, Pote 3, Ward 8, Coder 20, Derby 6, Seymour 0, Kelsey 0, Pruitt 0, Ramus 10.
SANDPOINT — Schoening 9, Corless 7, Liband 1, Young 10, Alamillo 3, Speelmon 7, Williams 0, Martin 0, Olin 11, Delgado 8.