Sandpoint heads into state tournament with 6-game winning streak after defeating CDA
Sandpoint midfielder Forest Ambridge makes a move in a game versus Lake City earlier this season.
(Photo courtesy JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
Since defeating Lake City 11-10 in a thriller roughly two weeks ago, Sandpoint boys lacrosse has done nothing but dominate their opponents. Now, the Bulldogs are more than ready to compete in the IHSLL state championship lacrosse tournament.
Most recently, the Bulldogs defeated Coeur d’Alene 14-7 on Wednesday, May 10 to close out the regular season. With this win, the Bulldogs now ride a six-game winning streak heading into the state championship, which will be held at War Memorial Field on Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20. The tournament will consist of eight teams; four from the northern divisions of Idaho and four from the eastern divisions.
The Bulldogs have put up a fantastic 9-3 record this season with two of their losses coming by just one goal against Ammon and Idaho Falls. The Bulldogs’ other loss was an eight-goal loss to Lake City, a team they proved they could beat later on in the season.
Over the last six games, the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents by 77 goals in total. In four of those games, the team won by double digits; their best margin of victory was a 22-goal win over Moscow, 23-1 on Saturday, April 29. Senior Blayne Kanning scored seven goals to lead the Bulldogs that day.
Sandpoint has not just relied on a couple of offensive players this year; it has truly been a team effort. In a recent 22-3 victory over Immaculate Conception Academy, 14 different Bulldogs recorded a goal. Sandpoint’s Austin Waud scored a team-high five goals in the contest.
Another reason why the Bulldogs have been so successful this season is due to the efforts of their goalie, Ryan Doko, who was in net for all nine wins this season. Over the last six games, Doko has amassed 69 saves for an average of 11.5 saves per game. He has 156 saves on the season which are accompanied by a .678 save percentage.
More information and details on the IHSLL state championship bracket, the first ever state championship lacrosse tournament to be held in Idaho will be available in next week's paper.