Bulldogs red hot from long range in win

SANDPOINT — Led by the sharpshooting of senior Riley Couch, the Bulldogs put on an offensive shooting display in the first half of a 71-41 Inland Empire League win over Lakeland on Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court. 

Couch finished with 14 points, five assists, four steals and three rebounds to lead the Bulldogs (11-9, 3-0 4A IEL), who lit up the scoreboard with 50 first half points. She also set a blistering pace on defense, as the Bulldogs’ press was tough to beat, leading to transition buckets.

Madi Schoening added 22 points, four rebounds, two blocks and two assists, and Grace Kirscher 22 points, five dimes, three steals and three blocks for the Bulldogs, who are starting to play with the swagger and confidence of a state contender.

Couch, Schoening, Kirscher and Danika Tomazich all made shots from beyond the arc in the first half, as Sandpoint finished 10 of 19 from long range for the game.

“It’s quite a weapon, and we try to utilize it. We’ve been practicing a lot of shooting drills,” said Bulldogs head coach Duane Ward. “They shot the ball well and played good defense. I was pleased with the play of the kids off the bench.”

Senior post Kassadi Bilski led Lakeland (4-15, 0-4 4A IEL) with 15 points, making 5 of 7 shots from both the field and the line, but her team trailed 23-6 after a fast-paced first quarter. Faith Bodak tallied eight points and six rebounds, and made two 3-pointers, and the Hawks got some offense going with a 20 points third quarter, but Sandpoint had already put the game away.

The Bulldogs host Moscow on Saturday looking to cap an undefeated run through league play.

Lakeland 6 13 20 2 — 41

Sandpoint 23 27 17 4 — 71

LAKELAND — Bunch 3, Prockish 0, Edinger 4, Bodak 8, Kirk 5, Pruitt 6, Bilski 15.

SANDPOINT — Matilla 4, Schoening 22, Converse 0, Darrah 0, Ward 6, Couch 14, Hicks 0, Tomazich 3, Kaul 0, Kirscher 22.