Bulldogs set sights on 4A state championship
SANDPOINT — One of the top players in the state? Check.
Returning varsity experience? Check.
State bona fides from last year’s run to a third place trophy? Check.
The school’s first-ever state title? Well, that’s yet to be determined.
Led by senior Madi Schoening, who has signed a letter of intent to play basketball next season at the University of Montana, and coming off a 2-1 run last year at state, there’s no reason to think the Bulldogs can’t make another run at a state title.
“I think we have a good chance,” says Schoening, arguably the top player in North Idaho. “Our defense up top with me and Riley (Couch) is pretty aggressive. We’ve got pretty good depth, and the younger kids will be a huge asset.”
Shoening was tough to stop offensively last season en route to 502 points, including outbursts of 49 points against Lakeland, 31 against Coeur d’Alene and Clarkston and 30 against Post Falls, while scoring 20 or more a whopping 14 times. She also posted a state record 67 points in the state tournament.
For the Bulldogs to make another deep tournament run, it will be important to spread the scoring around, and head coach Duane Ward feels his team has the weapons to do just that.
“We think we’re a better shooting team. We’ll open it up, let the kids play basketball,” says Ward, noting Schoening will once again draw a crowd defensively. “The other kids will be able to play of her. Madi’s good enough to get the ball out.”
Sophomore forward Grace Kirscher can also carry the scoring load at times, netting 15 points or more in five games last year. With great shooting range, the skilled 6-footer is able to spread the floor and make 3-pointers, while also bringing strong rebounding and passing to the floor.
Senior Riley Couch returns with two years of starting experience running the show at point guard, and Ward will lean on her for both production and leadership.
“She’s out front on defense and she’s a real pest,” said Ward. “She’s developed a good outside shot. She’ll handle the ball a lot.”
Providing some height on the blocks is 6-foot-1 freshman Grace Hicks, who scored 14 points in the season opener and has the ability to run the floor and provide another scoring option.
Junior Taylor Ward and senior BreLynn will each see time at forward, bringing speed, defense and rebounding to the team. Filling out the bench minutes will be sophomores Audrey Mattila, Katherine Kaul and Danika Tomazich, and seniors Paige DuMars and Cheri-lyn Darrah.
Ward praised the leadership of DuMars as a role player.
“She’s an inspiration to other players and to us coaches,” praised Ward of the three sport athlete. “She works extremely hard, has a great attitude and sets a great example for everybody with her actions.”
After going 15-9 last year and posting solid wins over Lake City, Coeur d’Alene and West Valley, Ward knows they won’t be able to sneak up anyone this year.
With a host of returning varsity players, he’ll rely on speed and defense and see where that propels the team.
“We’d like to shoot for a state championship. Everything we do day to day is a step toward that,” claims Ward. “We have a little more depth and are quicker than last year. We can’t rest on our laurels, we need to come back and get to work.”