Bulldogs fall just short against Timberwolves
<p>Sandpoint defenders Hailey Olin, left, and Nikole Alamillo put pressure on Lake City’s Madi Farrell. (Photo by ERIC PLUMMER)</p>
SANDPOINT — Coaches hate to talk about moral victories, because they often accompany a loss, but Sandpoint head coach Bill Bender was certainly pleased with the play of his team in a home-opening 61-56 loss to 5A Lake City on Friday night at Les Rogers Court.
Hailey Olin scored a team high 14 points, including two 3-pointers in the third quarter, and Maryah Delgado added 13 points and four assists for the Bulldogs (1-2), who played Lake City tougher than they have in more than a decade.
“The kids were disappointed to not get the win,” said Bulldogs head coach Bill Bender. “But they have a much better glimpse of what champions need to do.”
Madi Farrell made 9 of 12 field goals for a game-high 20 points, and pulled down nine boards and blocked two shots to help the Timberwolves (2-0) erase an early deficit and keep a small lead for most of the second half.
“She’s tough down low, we need to get her as many touches as we can. She’s our rock, she makes us go,” said Lake City head coach Brian Kelly of his 6-2 post, while praising the play of the Bulldogs in defeat. “Sandpoint is greatly improved, and very disciplined on defense.”
Hailey Jackson added 16 points, Natalie Wheelock three assists and Olivia Maryon four steals for the T-Wolves, who trailed 13-8 after the first period.
Sandpoint senior post Cassie Young injured her knee early in the game, and her status for the season remains up in the air. Her strong interior defense was missed against Farrell, who did much of her damage close to the basket on lob passes.
“I thought we did a good job on her. She kept the ball high and made quick moves to the basket,” said Bender of Farrell. “I like how we stayed together.”
Nikole Alamillo had 10 points and three steals, and Karlee Williams added five rebounds in defeat. Lake City beat 4A North rival Lakeland 81-11 earlier in the week, a good sign for the Bulldog moving forward.
Sandpoint is at Coeur d’Alene, arguably the top girls team in the state, on Tuesday.
Lake City 8 19 16 18 — 61
Sandpoint 13 14 14 15 — 56
LAKE CITY — Jackson 16, Wilson 4, Wheelock 9, Wendlant 2, Smith 2, Maryon 0, Farrell 20, Meier 8.
SANDPOINT — Williams 0, Schoening 11, Olin 14, Chatburn 2, Young 0, Delgado 13. Alamillo 10, Sundquist 2, Liband 4.