Sandpoint can’t keep up with Hawks in high-scoring affair
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY) Senior Kobe Banks attempts to attack the rim while a Lakeland defender guards him Thursday night.
Senior Christian Niemela fights through contact from Lakeland defenders while attacking the rim Thursday night.
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
RATHDRUM — Sandpoint boys basketball was unable to knock off one of the top 4A teams in the state and avoid finishing the regular season winless in league play as they fell 91-77 to Lakeland on Thursday.
With the loss, the Bulldogs secured the No. 3 seed to the 4A Region 1 tournament and will head to No. 2 Lakeland on Monday, Feb. 24 for a loser-out game.
“Lakeland played well on their senior night,” head coach Wade Engelson said. “Offense was not the problem tonight, we just have to play better defense. They were able to get open looks and we had some defensive breakdowns that hurt us but our guys played hard and it was a competitive game.”
Both teams knocked down nine 3-pointers in the game. Senior Kobe Banks led the team with 23 points and senior Christian Niemela had a season-high 18.
“Christian Niemela was outstanding on both sides of the court,” Engelson said. “He was stealing the ball, playing great defense and he played a fantastic game for us.”
The Bulldogs (9-11, 0-4 IEL) host Bonners Ferry at 5:30 p.m. Friday for senior night and their final regular season game.
Sandpoint 19 13 27 18 — 77
Lakeland 23 15 31 22 — 91
SANDPOINT — R. Roos 11, Banks 23, Niemela 18, Eldridge 9, VanDenBerg 1, C. Roos 3, Treadaway 4, Casey 8, Dickerson 0.
LAKELAND — Zubaly 19, Furey 5, Seay 17, Henry 9, Ab. Munyer 10, Am. Munyer 12, Haaland 14, Roth 0, Elizondo 0, Waddington 3, Derrick 0, Saasen 2.
