Bulldog girls looking to make some noise at state
SANDPOINT — For the first time in nearly two decades, the Bulldog girls take a team to state with realistic aspirations of bringing home a trophy.
The last time the program contended for a title was in 1996, when current coach Duane Ward led the Bulldogs to a second place finish in the A-1 division. Now in his second stint stewarding the team, Ward knows full well what it takes to make a deep tournament run.
“We want to go down and concentrate on what we’ve been doing all year. We’re not going to change anything, what we’ve been doing has been good to us,” said Ward of heading down to state. “Our offense starts with our defense. If we get after them, everything will feed off that.”
The Bulldogs (13-8) tip off the 4A state tournament tonight, facing Kuna (16-7), the District III runner up, at 5:15 p.m. PST at Timberline High School in Boise. One thing is certain, the Kavemen, who play mostly 4A competition, will know exactly where Sandpoint junior guard Madi Schoening is at all times.
Schoening, arguably the best player in the Inland Empire League, if not the state, can put up points in a hurry. Schoening has torched the nets this season, with scoring outbursts of 49, 31, 31, 30, 28, 28 and 28, averaging 21 points per game despite drawing a crowd defensively and playing a host of 5A schools.
Scoring is just part of what she does, also posting double digit rebounds in 12 games while also leading the team in steals.
“She represents what I like Sandpoint basketball to be: Be passionate about the game, work hard, and give it your best effort every practice and every game,” described Ward of Schoening. “She’s all about team.”
With Ward expecting to see some gimmick defenses designed to stop Schoening, it’s imperative that a few other players step up and carry the scoring load, as points can come at a premium at state. Freshman Grace Kirscher scored 45 points in the last three games, and hasn’t played like a freshman all season. She can score from outside and also get to the rim.
Seniors Elani Williams and Lily Martin, and junior point guard Riley Couch are also capable of scoring, and all excel on defense, something the Bulldogs have hung their hat on all season.
Kuna (16-7) made it to state for the first time since 1995, and Ward said they remind him a lot of Moscow.
“They’re aggressive, it looks like they want to get into a transition game, push the ball pretty hard on offense,” described Ward. “They have a really good point guard, and are really strong inside.”
Halfcourt offense becomes paramount at state, where points in transition are much tougher to come by. Ward said the ability to execute, as well as make adjustments on the fly, will be key.
That said, the Bulldogs had their best games when the transition game was in full gear, with Schoening emerging as a top notch finisher. Win or lose, Ward is just hoping his charges enjoy the experience of state.
“Our goal all along has been to come as close as we can to playing to our potential. We take it one game at a time, and concentrate on fundamentals,” said Ward. “We’d like to end the season on a winning note. Play hard, smart and play together.”