Bulldogs jump out early in rout of Badgers

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint came out on fire, jumping out to a 16-2 lead in the first four minutes, then held on to post a 54-31 win over Bonners Ferry in nonleague girls basketball Friday night to tip off Moose Madness before 1,700 people at raucous Les Rogers Court. 

Madi Schoening made 8 of 12 shots for a game-high 20 points to go with nine rebounds and three steals, and the Bulldogs overwhelmed the Badgers, building a 23-6 first quarter lead and a 35-10 halftime lead. Riley Couch continues to provide a deep threat, hitting two long range bombs as part of her 10 points, including a 30 foot dagger to end the first quarter.

Taylor Ward continues to provide great all-around minutes, posting six points, five rebounds and three steals, along with a lot of stuff that doesn’t show up in the stat sheet, and BreLynn Converse made all four of her free throw attempts, finishing with eight points and four rebounds.

Bulldog head coach Duane Ward was rightfully pleased with his team’s play, feeding off the energy of a loud, energetic crowd.

“The key was the kids came out revved up and ready to go. We jumped on them early and that set the tone for the game,” said Ward, lauding the atmosphere found only at spirit games. “It’s fun, but kind of hard on the ears. A lot of kids got playing time, and we’re going to need that down the road.”

Trinity Golder scored 11 points and pulled down three rebounds for the Badgers (3-2), who were overwhelmed to start the game before finding their footing in a mostly even second half. Head coach Chris Chatburn, a former Sandpoint assistant coach, said the intensity of the crowd got to his team, as it’s something you simply can’t simulate.

The game got out of hand quickly, as Sandpoint got several steals and run outs to build a quick lead.

“That was my fear. We have some talented young ladies, but they haven’t faced that kind of atmosphere and we were kind of in awe of the scene,” described Chatburn, whose team outscored the Bulldogs by two in the second half. “I was happy to see us fight back after half time and play. We need to come out with that. As a player this (crowd) is great. This is something else entirely.”

Sandpoint is at West Valley today.

Bonners 6 4 8 13 — 31

Sandpoint 23 12 9 10— 54

BONNERS FERRY — Bauer 2, Skeen 0, Oxford 0, Spangler 0, Wenk 5, Bateman 4, Donn 4, Golder 11, Davis 4, Burt 1.

SANDPOINT — Matilla 2, Schoening 20, DuMars 0, Converse 8, Darrah 0, Ward 6, Layborne 0, Couch 10, Hicks 2, Kaul 2, Kirscher 4.