PREP BOYS LACROSSE: Sandpoint pulls off two huge upsets at regionals
The 2024 Sandpoint varsity lacrosse team poses for a team photo before pulling off a 10-9 overtime victory against Coeur d'Alene during the IHSLL North Regional Playoffs this past Saturday. Back row, from left, assistant coach Christian Crossignham, Braden Buckhout, Evan Holt, Blayne Kanning, Sawyer Treadaway, Ryan Doko, Lucas Mahlum, Alex Garrison, Hayden Sisk, Jeven Meyer, Riley Doko, Caiden Addington, and head coach Ty Wilson. Front row, from left, Kostas Bauck, Austin Waud, Wylie Wimmer, Lucas Garrison, Kohta Fisher, Dallen Adam, Jakeb Addison, Tanyon Sprinkle.
(Courtesy Photo)
MEAD — Senior Blayne Kanning scored five goals in each game and No. 5 Sandpoint upset No. 4 Spokane Valley (12-9) and No. 3 Coeur d’Alene (10-9) at the IHSLL North Regional Playoffs this past Friday and Saturday at Mead High to qualify for the 2024 IHSLL state tournament.
The Bulldogs lost to both the Runners and the Vikings twice during the regular season, so the two wins came as not just a surprise, but show how the team has steadily improved throughout the season. Against Spokane Valley on Friday, the Bulldogs used a five-goal third quarter to take a 9-4 lead and then held on for the victory in the fourth. Kanning not only had five goals in the win, but also added two assists. Kohta Fisher added two goals and an assist.
To start off Saturday, Sandpoint had to face No. 1 Lake City and fell 15-3 to the Timberwolves. Later that same day, the Bulldogs pulled off a miracle, knocking off Coeur d’Alene in overtime. The Vikings scored four goals in the fourth quarter to force extra time, but Kanning netted one of his five goals to lift Sandpoint to victory.
Throughout the regional tournament, Kanning scored a total of 12 goals and tied with Kostas Bauck for a team-high three assists. Kanning also had a team-high 23 groundballs, Sawyer Treadaway added 16 of his own on defense for Sandpoint. Goalie Ryan Doko amassed 61 saves across all three games.
No. 3 Sandpoint (5-12) will face No. 2 Pocatello on Friday in the first round of the 2024 IHSLL State Championships set to be held at North Field in Jackson Hole. The Bulldogs will then face either Ammon or Lake City later that day, depending on results.
Sandpoint 12, Spokane Valley 9
Sandpoint 2 2 5 3 — 12
Spokane Valley 1 2 1 5 — 9
GOALS: SPT — Kanning 5, Fisher 2, L. Garrison 1, Waud 1, Mahlum 1, Buckhout 1, Meyer 1. SV — N/A.
ASSISTS: SPT — Kanning 2, Bauck 1, Fisher 1, Treadaway 1, Wimmer 1, L. Garrison 1. SV — N/A.
GROUNDBALLS: SPT — Treadaway 8, Wimmer 8, Kanning 8, Sisk 5, Fisher 4, Meyer 4, Adam 3, Addison 2, L. Garrison 2, Bauck 2, Buckhout 2, Mahlum 1, Ri. Doko 1. SV — None.
SAVES: SPT — Doko 22. SV — None.
Lake City 15, Sandpoint 3
Sandpoint 1 0 2 0 — 3
Lake City 4 8 2 1 — 15
GOALS: SPT — Kanning 2, Waud 1. LC — Altimus 4, Wessels 4, Walker 2, Curlee 1, Lasher 1, Ford 1, Duce 1.
ASSISTS: SPT — Bauck 1, Waud 1. LC — Ford 3, Curlee 3, House 1, Duce 1, McNamara 1.
GROUNDBALLS: SPT — Kanning 9, Sisk 5, Bauck 4, L. Garrison 4, Treadaway 3, Addison 3, Meyer 2, Adam 2, Wimmer 1, Waud 1. LC — Echleberger 7, Sowa 4, Hyland 3, Leighton 3, Davis 3, Houlse 2, Walker 2, Curlee 2, Duce 1, Leppert 1, Altimus 1, Lasher 1, Peak 1.
SAVES: SPT — Doko 22. LC — Echleberger 15.
Sandpoint 10, Coeur d’Alene 9
Sandpoint 2 2 3 2 1 — 10
CDA 3 0 2 4 0 — 9
GOALS: SPT — Kanning 5, Bauck 2, Fisher 1, Waud 1, Wimmer 1. CDA — N/A.
ASSISTS: SPT — Kanning 1, Addington 1, Holt 1, Bauck 1, Fisher 1. CDA — N/A.
GROUNDBALLS: SPT — Kanning 6, Treadaway 5, Wimmer 5, Meyer 4, Sisk 4, Bacuk 3, Adam 3, Waud 2, L. Garrison 1, Fisher 1, Buckhout 1, Addington 1. CDA — N/A.
SAVES: SPT — Doko 17. CDA — Putren 16.