Schoening passes 1,000 points in loss to Vikings

COEUR d’ALENE — Riley Couch poured in a season-high 18 points, including four 3-pointers to go with five rebounds and two blocks, leading the Bulldogs in a 52-34 loss to Coeur d’Alene in nonleague girls basketball Tuesday night at Elmer Jordan Court. 

Madi Schoening entered the game with 999 points in her Sandpoint career, passing the milestone mark with eight points, seven rebounds, five steals and three assists.

With the Vikings focusing on Schoening, Couch stepped up to help carry the scoring load.

“They were doubling Madi all the time,” said Bulldogs head coach Duane Ward. “Riley’s been playing great for us all year. She got her feet set, got some open looks, concentrated and got them in. She’s looking for her shot more, she looks very comfortable.”

Taylor Ward added four points and three boards in the loss for the shorthanded Bulldogs (1-3), who played without starters Grace Hicks and Grace Kirscher and some young players logged varsity minutes.

“I thought we competed pretty well with them. We were hanging right with them early, then they hit three outside shots in a row,” said Ward. “In the second half, the depth started wearing on us a little bit. They were a little bit bigger than we were. We’re getting there, we saw some good things out of the kids.”

Sandpoint gets a break in the early schedule, which included three 5A schools, before returning to the hardwood on Dec. 4 at the Pendleton Tournament.

Spt 11 7 8 8 — 34

Cd’A 12 14 16 10 — 52

SANDPOINT — Matilla 0, Schoening 8, DuMars 0, Converse 2, Ward 4, Couch 18, Tomazich 0, Kaul 2.

COEUR d’ALENE — Miller 4, Callahan 14, Louden 14, Fagan 8, Rollins 8, Horning 2, Hodge 2.