The Battle for the Paddle is back
Sandpoint High School students go crazy during the last Battle for the Paddle on Jan. 17, 2020, at Les Rogers Court.
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
RATHDRUM — After a year away due to the pandemic, the annual spirit competition between Sandpoint and Lakeland returns today.
The Hawks host the event, started in 2017, this year seeking to claim their third straight Battle for the Paddle title.
A girls basketball game between the two schools will kick things off at 4 p.m., followed by a wrestling dual at 6 p.m. and a boys basketball game at 8 p.m.
Outside of the sports competitions, a lip sync competition, multiple decibel readings and performances from both cheer teams will take place throughout the evening to determine which school has the most spirit.
Tickets to the event will not be available at the door and can be purchased at SHS during school hours for $10, which includes a ticket, T-shirt and glow stick.
Fans will not be allowed into the event until 3:30 p.m. and there is no re-entry for students.
The last time Sandpoint girls basketball faced off with Lakeland, the Bulldogs beat the Hawks on their home floor in Game 3 of the 2021 4A Region 1 championship series to advance to state for the seventh time in the last eight years. This will be the 4A Inland Empire League opener for the Bulldogs.
SHS wrestling has struggled on the mat against Lakeland in recent years. But the Bulldogs are rounding into form at just the right time and they believe this could be their year to knock off the Hawks, who have won 13 straight regional titles.
Sandpoint boys basketball is winless against Lakeland in its last 16 attempts. The Bulldogs' last victory came in February 2016.
Sandpoint lost 67-60 to the Hawks at home this past Saturday, but they showed they have the potential to end the streak tonight.