Kirscher, Golder shine as Bulldogs fall to Trojans
—Photo by ERIC PLUMMER Sandpoint junior Trinity Golder drops two of her 20 points in a home-opening loss to the Trojans on Tuesday night.
SANDPOINT — Melody Kempton poured in a game-high 25 points, and Post Falls used a 27-6 fourth quarter run to blow open a close game and drop Sandpoint 85-59 in nonleague girls basketball Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court.
Bayley Brennan hit three 3-pointers among her 19 points, and Sydney Parks added 17 for the Trojans (1-0), who started the game on a 13-2 run and ended it by opening the fourth quarter with 19 consecutive points.
“We were balanced inside and outside. We’ve got some kids who can shoot it, which helps Melody on the inside,” said Trojans head coach Marc Allert. “Sandpoint played really well, took us out of some stuff we wanted to do.”
Trinity Golder and Grace Kirscher each hit three 3-pointers and combined to score 41 points for the Bulldogs (0-2), who played well in stretches, including outscoring the 5A Trojans 43-42 in the second and third quarters.
Golder hit three free throws to end the third quarter, as the Bulldogs trailed just 57-53 to start the final quarter, before they simply ran out of gas. The Trojans started getting open layups, and quickly built a 20 point lead with a late offensive outburst.
“They have a good-sized ball club, and when you battle hard on the boards, it takes its toll on you,” said Bulldogs head coach Duane Ward. “We competed hard and challenged them. Our kids battled, and we’re very pleased.”
Kirscher had a strong all-around game, cleaning the glass, leading the break, and picking up steals and blocks while scoring from both inside and out to keep her team in the game.
“Grace played a whale of a game,” said Ward of his talented 6-1 combo guard. “It’s probably the best I’ve seen her play.”
After facing the reigning 3A state champs and a strong 5A program to start the season, the early road remains tough for the Bulldogs, who travel to face perennial 5A power Lake City on Thursday.
Post Falls 15 27 15 27 — 85
Sandpoint 10 23 20 6 — 59
POST FALLS — Gleaves 1, Morris 7, Gardiner 1, Brennan 19, T. McCliment-Call 6, J. McCliment-Call 6, Robinson 3, Kempton 25, Parks 17.
SANDPOINT — Matilla 0, Tomazich 8, Darling 2, Kaul 2, Ward 2, Laybourne 0, Golder 20, Hicks 4, Kirscher 21.