‘HIVELIGHTS’ with MAX OSWALD: Here are the top 10 sports stories of 2023

Max Oswald

The 2022-2023 Sandpoint High girls basketball team is all smiles after winning the schools' first-ever, boys or girls, 4A state championship last year. Players, back row, from left, Daylee Driggs, Karlie Banks, Kelsey Cessna, Peyton Cessna, Livia Owens, Jetta Thaete. Front row, from left, Demi Driggs, Maggie Bleckwenn, Chloe Laybourne, Aliya Strock, Lily Richardson, Taylor Mire, Aubrey Knowles, Alex David.

Earlier this year, 2023 Sandpoint graduate Jack Zimmerman celebrated with his teammates after stealing home plate, a move that allowed the Bulldogs to clinch a 7-6 lead and an eventual 8-6 victory over 4A IEL rival Lakeland to complete a regular season sweep.

The 2022-2023 SHS girls basketball team after winning the 4A state championship.

The Sandpoint High School girls golf team poses with their trophy after claiming third-place at state. Pictured from left are, Raegan Samuels, Demi Driggs, Audrey Sheffler, Alexa Tuinstra, Taylor Mire and team manager Claire Loutzenhiser.

by MAX OSWALD
Sports Reporter | December 29, 2023 7:45 PM

After being here for about 10 months now, one thing is clear to me – right here in Bonner County, we have some of the hardest-working athletes in the state… my opinion of course. Football, soccer, basketball, you name it, and there was a fantastic community story waiting to be told. Without further ado, here are the Top 10 Bonner County sports stories of 2023.

1. Sandpoint girls basketball won their first-ever 4A state championship