Bulldogs win regional championship

Sandpoint hosted Lakeland on Friday night for game two of the regional tournament. Aliya Strock led the Bulldogs with 13 points and Sandpoint took the win 51-29 to claim the regional title.

The Bulldogs won the tipoff and got off to a hot start with Kelsey Cessna sinking a shot. Strock hit seven points in the first quarter and Sandpoint played tough defense.

“The kids were playing really well,” head coach Will Love said.

Sandpoint led 19-4 at the end of the first quarter.

Demi Driggs added five points to the Bulldogs tally. Lakeland finally had some shots drop, most of which were fouls.

“We did shoot the ball particularly well,” Love said. “But we were able to give Lakeland some issues.”

The Bulldogs were up 30-12 heading into halftime.

Karli Banks stepped up to the plate and scored five for Sandpoint. Lily Richardson and Chloe Laybourne also contributed.

“The kids were very focused and able to compete against a very good Lakeland team,” Love said.

Lakeland’s top shooter, Landry Simon, had 11 points for the Hawks.

Sandpoint led 46-17 heading into the fourth.

Lakeland played their best quarter of the game but Sandpoint had already pulled away.

The Bulldogs were able to get some girls who don’t typically see much floor time into the game.

“They did an awesome job,” Love said. “I was proud of the effort we had through the whole game.”

Sandpoint will head to the state 4A tournament next weekend, Feb. 16-18.

“I’m really proud of the girls and what they’ve done since the summer and get in this position to head down to state,” Hopefully we can go down there and return with a trophy.”

Sandpoint 19 11 16 7 — 51

Lakeland 4 8 5 12 — 29

SANDPOINT — K. Cessna 11, De. Driggs 5, Da. Driggs 7, Mire 0, David 0, P. Cessna 0, Laybourne 3, Richardson 2, Knowles 0, Bleckwenn 0, Strock 13, Banks 10, Thaete 0.