Talent-laden Bulldogs seeking encore performance this season

SANDPOINT — They have one of the best players in the state.

The have plenty of speed in transition.

They have plus height, and a deep bench.

And they’re coming off one of the best seasons in recent memory.

So what will this year’s Bulldog girls basketball team have to offer?

“We want to win our league, get to state and do better than last year,” offered Bulldog head coach Duane Ward, who feels his team can get there by focusing on the now. “One step at a time, one practice at a time and one game at a time. Do everything you can in the moment.”

The Bulldogs will lean on the talents of junior combo guard Grace Kirscher, a lengthy 6-1 player with a huge skillset. Last year she scored in double figures in 16 games, including a 27 point outburst at state in a win over Burley.

Kirscher can score from beyond the arc, midrange and driving to the hoop, and has great vision to find teammates for open looks. Defensively her length and anticipation in the passing lanes creates a lot of turnovers, and she can rebound and start the break on her own as teammates fill the lanes.

“She’s developed an all-around game. Her defense is better, her rebounding is better, ball handling is better,” praised Ward. “She’s starting to drive to the hole, and has great court vision and is a strong passer.”

Helping carry the scoring load will be junior 5-10 guard Trinity Golder, who transferred from Bonners Ferry with a strong handle and good range on her jumper. She scored 20 against Post Falls on Tuesday, and could help fill the void left from all-time SHS leading scorer Madi Schoening, who is now playing at the University of Montana.

“She’s fit in nicely, really meshed with the kids,” said Ward, lauding Golder’s great attitude. “We’re tickled to death to have her. She brings something we really need — shooting.”

Anchoring the defense on the blocks will be 6-1 sophomore center Grace Hicks, who will be counted on to protect the rim in the Bulldogs’ four-guard offense. She had some games with a lot of shot blocks last year, and is surprisingly agile for a big.

“She anchors the middle and is critical to our defense,” described Ward, noting she also has a scoring touch. “We’re looking to get some more scoring from her.”

Every team needs a glue player, and on the Bulldogs that is lone senior Taylor Ward, a two-year starter who does a lot of things well that don’t show up on the stat sheet.

Her grandpa is also her coach, and he knows what she brings to the court at both ends.

“There’s a lot of fire in her, she’s real aggressive and gets on the floor,” described Duane. “She gets loose balls, hustles and plays excellent defense.”

Juniors Katherine Kaul, Audrey Matilla, Danika Tomazich and Calli Laybourne will join sophomore Mya Darling in an interchangeable group that will share minutes and play multiple positions.

When possible, the Bulldogs will look to utilize a lot of team speed and get out and run, with Kirscher dangerous running the break in the open court. Ward was asked what his team’s biggest strength was.

“Speed. I think we’re fast. We plan to run a lot,” he admitted, clearly coaching to his strengths. “A little more balance and depth than we’ve had in the past. A good, hard working bunch.”

Taylor Ward, a key player on last year’s 15-10 team that won twice at state, is hoping for an encore performance. As it often does with good teams, depth will be key.

“We work really well with subs and starters,” said Taylor Ward. “People can come in and it doesn’t disrupt the flow.”