Kirscher, Bailey lead Bulldogs over Hawks
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER) Senior Ciera Bailey goes up for two of her 14 points in the Bulldogs’ big win over Lakeland during the Battle for the Paddle.
SANDPOINT — Grace Kirscher erupted for 17 points in a huge second quarter, as the Bulldogs dominated the first half en route to a 65-31 win over the Hawks in 4A Inland Empire League girls basketball Friday night in front of more than 1,500 people at Les Rogers Court in the tip off to the Battle for the Paddle.
Kirscher hit four 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 26 to lead the Bulldogs (9-7, 2-0 4A IEL), who jumped out to a 40-15 halftime lead after a 25-6 edge in the second quarter.
Maddie Morgan also hit four long range bombs for her 12 points, and Ciera Bailey dropped in 14 as the Bulldogs rebounded well from a tough shooting night in the previous game.
“We came out ready to play and executed in the first half,” said Bulldogs head coach Duane Ward. “It was a bright spot having Trinity (Golder) and Audrey (Mattila) back from injury).”
The Hawks rallied in the third quarter, controlling the action and getting some points in transition.
Lauryn Cooper led the Hawks (4-12, 0-2 4A IEL) with nine points in the loss.
“We weren’t ready in the third quarter and were lethargic. Lakeland played well in that third quarter,” said Ward, who felt his team improved in the festive spirit game atmosphere. “They learn from games like this.”
Sandpoint hosts 3A power Timberlake tonight at 5 p.m. at Les Rogers Court.
Sandpoint 15 25 8 17 — 65
Lakeland 9 6 11 5 — 31
SANDPOINT — Mattila 2, Yunek 0, Bailey 14, Edwards 2, Morgan 12, Driggs 3, Kaul 1, Larson 2, Laybourne 2, Golder 0, Anderson 0, Kirscher 27, Petit 0.
LAKELAND — Leon 2, Cooper 9, Schnepf 3, Edigner 0, Pruitt 4, Elpers 2, Loutzenhiser 2, Neff 2, Kirk 0, Stutheit 0, McDevitt 2, Kime 0, Boyer 0, Ryan 5.