Kirscher drops 18 points in loss against Timberwolves

SANDPOINT — Grace Kirscher had another solid all around game, but a poor shooting third quarter proved too much to overcome, as the Bulldogs lost 45-37 to the 5A Timberwolves in nonleague girls basketball Tuesday night at Lake City High School.

Kirscher drained four 3-pointers among her team high 18 points, and also pulled down seven rebounds to go with three assists for the Bulldogs (0-4), who led briefly late in the second quarter before scoring just three third quarter points.

“The girls played tough against a lot bigger Lake City team. We emphasized playing tougher, and the girls did just that,” said Bulldog assistant coach Will Love. “We got a little tired at the end. We had some wide open shots, just couldn’t get them to fall.”

Trinity Golder nailed three shots from beyond the arc, and Audrey Matilla dished out three assists in defeat for the Bulldogs, who capped a brutally tough opening stretch against three tough opponents, including back to back games against the returning 5A state consolation champs.

Nina Carlson, who recently signed with Idaho, led the Timberwolves (2-0) with 25 points and 11 boards, also draining four 3-pointers, helping break open a one-point game after the half.

“Our defense was to have Lake City shoot from the outside, and Carlson did just that,” said love, lauding the play of Kirscher in the loss. “She’s doing a good job of leading, both on and off the court. Those are pretty good athletes she’s going up against.”

Sandpoint is at Kellogg on Dec. 6, getting a nice break in the schedule to work on some things.

Sandpoint 11 13 3 10 — 37

Lake City 18 6 9 12 — 45

SANDPOINT — Mattila 1 0-0 2, Tomazich 2 0-0 4, Darling 0 0-0 0, Kaul 0 0-0 0, Ward 1 0-0 2, Laybourne 0 0-0 0, Golder 3 0-0 9, Hicks 1 0-0 2, Kirscher 5 4-7 18. Totals 13 4-7 37.

LAKE CITY — Allen 0 0-0 0, Barber 0 0-0 0, Carlson 8 5-5 25, Teets 3 0-0 6, Rewers 2 4-4 8, Halliday 1 0-0 2, Simpson 1 2-2 4. Totals 15 11-11 45.