PREP BASKETBALL: Jones’ 23 helps Sandpoint boys cruise past Heritage

Sandpoint 54, Heritage 44

VANCOUVER — Emerik Jones got going early and often, scoring 17 of his season-high 23 points in the first half to help Sandpoint take down Heritage in the second round of the Fort Vancouver Holiday Tournament held at Fort Vancouver High on Thursday.

It was a bittersweet win for head coach Brian Childs, who coached at Heritage High in the past for a span of three years.

“Lots of friendly faces today,” Childs said. “It was a little odd playing them — I know the coaching staff over there; my old administrator, athletic director were there watching us today — it’s bittersweet having to play them but at the same time I’m proud of our kids today for taking on a challenge and really stepping up.”

The Bulldogs led by 20 points at the end of third quarter, dominating on all fronts for the majority of the game. Childs said the team’s defense was a focal point of the contest.

“I felt like we were in control for the majority of the game,” Childs said. “We came out with a lot of energy, got after it defensively, created some turnovers and built a lead. It’s been a little puzzling because we haven’t particularly shot the ball well lately, but we were able to overcome that today with our defense and rebounding. We knew going in we would have a size advantage. I thought Emerik (Jones) had a great day today scoring the ball; Emerik and Derrick (Chamberlain), Caiden (Gion), Logan (Roos) all stepped up and gave us a needed lift.”

In addition to Jones’ stellar shooting night, Parker Childs and Chamberlain scored seven points each while Wil Leisy added six for the Bulldogs.

Sandpoint (5-5, 0-0) will play either Eagle Point or Columbia on the final day of the tourney Friday.

Sandpoint 13 17 16 8 – 54

Heritage 9 6 11 18 – 44

PTS: SPT – Jones 23, Childs 7, Chamberlain 7, Leisy 6, Williams 3, Gion 2, Roos 2, Leavitt 2, Wolff 2. HER – Zacarios 17, Holmes 11, Graham 6, Gallant 4, Burns 2.