Golder drops 26 as Bulldogs fall at state
(Photo by JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY) Sophomore post Grace Hicks pulls down one of her game-high 13 rebounds in the Bulldogs’ state-opening loss on Thursday.
(Photo by JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY) Freshman Maddie Morgan scored four points in her first state experience. The Bulldogs play Minico today.
Bulldogs face Minico today in consolation
MERIDIAN — A quick start and another big game from Trinity Golder weren’t quite enough, as Sandpoint lost 44-39 to Preston in the opening game of the 4A Idaho State Basketball Tournament on Thursday at Mountain View High School in Meridian.
The Bulldogs (10-12) jumped out to an early 14-3 lead, as Golder and Grace Kirscher each scored seven to stake their team to a double digit lead. Golder finished with a game-high 26 points, including 6 of 11 from 3-point land, also grabbing five rebounds and a steal.
The Indians (14-7) were able to put a run together in the second quarter to tie the game at 19-19 at half, ultimately putting the game away with a strong fourth quarter.
“We had a rough ballgame. First half we turned the ball over too much, but we played pretty good defense,” said Bulldogs head coach Duane Ward. “We just had a hard time making baskets, went kind of cold. During some clutch times in the fourth quarter, we had some nice shots that just didn’t quite go in the basket.”
The Bulldogs led by one to start the fourth quarter, but managed only seven points as the ball wouldn’t fall.
Kirscher finished with seven points, seven rebounds and three assists, and spent a lot of the night handling the Indians’ full court pressure. Grace Hicks had a huge game on the glass, pulling down a game-high 13 rebounds to go with two steals and two blocks, including six of the Bulldogs’ 17 offensive boards as they were also able to get second chances.
Sandpoint now faces Minico (14-7), which lost 51-44 to Middleton in the opener, in the consolation bracket of the double elimination tourney. Ward and assistant Will Love were able to watch the game and get a good scout.
“After watching the teams play, we feel like we can play with them,” said Ward. “We’re still in the hunt for a trophy. We plan on coming out and getting after it.”
Tipoff is at 12:15 p.m. PST. Bob Witte will call the game live on AM1400, and 105.3 FM.
Preston 8 11 12 13 — 44
Sandpoint 14 5 13 7 — 39
PRESTON — Alder 3, Selle 9, Hall 7, Carlisle 11, Moser 6, Hobbs 3, Lindhardt 5.
SANDPOINT — Morgan 4, Driggs 0, Kaul 0, Ward 0, Laybourne 0, Golder 26, Hicks 2, Kirscher 7.