Schoening, Kirscher lead Bulldogs in rout of Vikings
<p>Sandpoint guard Madi Schoening drives in for two of her career-high 31 points on Tuesday night. (Photo by ERIC PLUMMER)</p>
SANDPOINT — It’s official, the Sandpoint girls are for real.
One of the main reasons is junior guard Madi Schoening, who put on a scintillating shooting display, leading Sandpoint to a 64-37 dispatching of 5A state power Coeur d’Alene on Tuesday night in nonleague girls hoops at Les Rogers Court.
Schoening was 11 of 11 from the field, and 7 of 8 from the line, scoring a game-high 31 points to go with five steals for the surging Bulldogs (2-1), who backed up a win over Lake City with another great team effort. Sandpoint jumped out to an early 18-2 lead, and never looked back.
Schoening now has 85 points in her first three games, coming against the likes of Coeur d’Alene, Lake City and Post Falls, and has shown the ability to get to the rim almost at will.
“I knew we could do it. I’m happy with the way we’re playing,” said Schoening of the surprising start. “We’ve been so together, learned how to see each other.”
Freshman Grace Kirscher also had a big game offensively, scoring 17 points to go with eight boards and four assists, helping to carry the scoring load. Kirscher was able to score from the outside, and by slashing to the hoop, making her difficult to defend.
Elani Williams continues to be a factor on the blocks, posting six points, four rebounds and four steals, and altering shots defensively with her length.
Bulldogs assistant coach Will Love said the key to the strong start to the season came early after the Bulldogs fell behind Post Falls 11-3.
“They came back and tied it,” said Love. “They understood they can compete.”
Madisen Scholwinski posted 12 points and seven rebounds and Emily Callahan scored 11 for the Vikings (2-1), who had trouble generating many good offensive looks against the Bulldogs’ pressuring 3-2 zone. Schoening, Williams and Kirscher are all long and active, constantly disrupting the passing lanes.
“His kids played really well,” said Vikings coach Dale Poffenroth, falling to Sandpoint for the first time since he took over the program a decade ago. “I thought Grace (Kirscher) had a great game.”
Sandpiont head coach Duane Ward said the Post Falls loss gave his team confidence, and they’re playing together and getting to know their roles. Not many people expected the Bulldogs to be sitting at 2-1 right now.
“They’re starting to learn how to play basketball,” described Ward. “Recognizing open lanes, when to cut, keeping your spacing.”
Sandpoint leaves for the Pendleton Tournament on Dec. 5.
Cd’A 2 11 9 15 — 37
Sandpoint 15 11 17 21 — 64
COEUR d’ALENE — Miller 1, Horvath 7, Hill 2, Callahan 11, Ellison 0, Rollins 2, Scholwinski 12, Conery 2.
SANDPOINT — Williams 6, Schoening 31, Dumars 0, Converse 4, Robertson 0, Ward 2, Martin 4, Couch 0, Kirscher 17, Bluemer 0.