Bulldogs drop second game of season 58-39 to Tigers
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY) Freshman Kelsey Cessna goes up for a layup during the game Tuesday at Les Rogers Court.
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY) Senior Maddie Morgan elevates to attempt a layup during Tuesday's game against St. Maries at Les Rogers Court.
SPIRIT LAKE — Coming into Thursday night, Sandpoint girls basketball knew they were facing an uphill against a Timberlake team that has been one of the most dominant teams in 3A over the past decade.
But the Bulldogs stood tall and fought to the very end. It wasn’t enough though as Sandpoint fell 58-39 to the Tigers.
“I’m really pleased with how we competed tonight,” Sandpoint head coach Will Love said. “There was just some stretches that with a good team we couldn’t keep up.”
The Bulldogs jumped on the Tigers early in the game taking a 9-2 lead before Timberlake found its rhythm to gain a 24-13 advantage after one quarter.
Both teams struggled finding a basket in the second quarter as they combined to score just 15 points.
“The kids played really well in that second quarter defensively and it was too bad that they couldn’t get some baskets to fall,” Love said. “If we could’ve scored in that quarter that definitely would’ve helped us but credit to Timberlake for playing good defense.”
The Tigers 33-19 lead into the break.
The Bulldogs came out firing on all cylinders in the second half as they were able to pull within five of their opponent.
The Tigers were able to get some more breathing room by the end of the third to take a 11 point lead into the final quarter.
“We were right with them,” Love said. “We were within striking distance.”
Unfortunately, 6-foot-5-inch Blayre Jeffs of Timberlake took over the game in the final eight minutes scoring 8 of her 16 points to crush the Bulldogs chances of making a comeback and getting the upset.
“[Jeffs] did a good job of taking control in the paint and we had some turnovers and some missed shots and we just couldn’t keep with them,” Love said about the team’s performance in the fourth quarter.
Junior Hattie Larson led the team with 10 points. Junior Bella Phillips added 8 and senior Dawson Driggs scored 7 points.
Sandpoint (1-1) heads to Post Falls 2 p.m. Saturday.
“This week is a good test for us,” he said. “Its going to show us what we’re doing well and what we need to improve on.”
Sandpoint 13 6 13 7 — 39
Timberlake 24 9 10 15 — 58
SANDPOINT — Kelsey Cessna 2, Aly Lish 2, Daylee Driggs 0, Maddie Morgan 3, Dawson Driggs 7, Isabel Edwards 4, Bella Phillips 8, Hattie Larson 10, Sophia Platte 0, Kaylee Banks 3.
TIMBERLAKE — Sande 0, Soumas 12, Suko 3, Hammond 4, Kronenberg 3, Gustin 0, Carhart 4, Jessen 16, Bain 0, Jeffs 16.