Johnson leads Sandpoint to win over Priest River

PRIEST RIVER — Robbie Johnson continues to carry the scoring load for the Bulldogs, dropping in a game-high 22 points to lead Sandpoint to a 62-54 win over 3A Priest River in nonleague boys basketball Tuesday night at Priest River Elementary School.

Cade Vernon added 14 points and Alex Stockton 12 for the Bulldogs (2-2), who were plagued by turnovers as the young team with a host of new varsity players continues to adjust to the next level.

“Once again, the effort of Robbie Johnson is holding us steady. He’s working really hard,” said Bulldog assistant coach Mike Roos. “Cade was hitting his shots. It will be a work in progress for a while.”

Damian Dalthorp added six points, William Treadaway four and Christian Niemela and T.J. Davis two apiece for the Bulldogs, who are still searching for an identity with mixed results early in the season against a schedule full of schools from smaller classifications. The heavy lifting of the schedule will start in January, including the 4A North games that determine state.

Sandpoint hosts 3A Bonners Ferry on Saturday.