Derrick shoots Hawks past Bulldogs
SANDPOINT — Tyrel Derrick drained three shots from beyond the arc in the first quarter, en route to a 23 point night, leading the Hawks to a hard-fought 60-52 win over the Bulldogs in 4A Inland Empire League boys basketball Thursday night at Les Rogers Court.
Lakeland (8-5, 1-1 4A IEL) was red hot from beyond the arc in the first half, nailing eight shots to build a 38-27 halftime lead, before slowing things down and holding on for the win in the second half. Hawks coach Dave Stockwell praised the play of Sandpoint, which cut the lead to two points with just under three minutes left in the game.
“They’re very active, just a couple of bounces went our way. We were able to hit some free throws and keep that distance,” said Stockwell, praising the play of Slader Ray, who scored eight key points. “I thought we got a great performance from Slater. He filled in at post after (Jacob) Plunkett got hurt early on.”
Jeremiah Gagnon had the hot hand early, knocking down three 3-pointers and scoring 11 of his team-high 18 points in the first quarter. Carlos Collado continues to provide scoring punch with nine points, and Chase Rodriguez scored six for the Bulldogs (8-7, 0-2 4A IEL), who mounted a fourth quarter comeback attempt but could not close it out.
“They had some guys who aren’t their best shooters step up and hit some shots,” said Bulldogs head coach Tyler Haynes of Lakeland. “We stuck together and made enough stops to make a run at them.”
The play of the game, at least highlight real-wise, was a block by Rodriguez on Derrick, as the 6-6 post went up well above the rim to reject a fast break layup attempt in the first half.
Sandpoint gets a break in the schedule before facing Post Falls on Feb. 6.
Lakeland 20 18 9 13 — 60
Sandpoint 16 11 14 11 — 52
LAKELAND — Ram 9, Nosworthy 8, Cooper 0, Derrick 23, Henry 8, Dove 0, Bayley 2, Plunkett 2, Ray 8.
SANDPOINT — Timothy 0, Jurenka 3, Rodriguez 6, Spalding 4, Kuzmich 0, Schwartz 4, Edwards 5, Burgstahler 3, Gagnon 18, Collado 9.