Sandpoint High Esports Team among top at Idaho State Tournament

BOISE — The Sandpoint High Esports team, after a series of intense battles, finished fourth in Overwatch and second in Apex Legends at the Idaho Esports Association State Tournament held May 10-11 at the Boise State University Esports Arena.

Competing against some of the best high school teams in the state, the Bulldogs showcased their skills and determination in both Overwatch and Apex Legends, achieving commendable finishes in both categories.

The Overwatch team started the tournament on a high note, securing a decisive victory against Renaissance High School. The team’s coordinated strategies and sharp reflexes paid off, giving them an early boost in the competition. However, the second round posed a greater challenge. In a fiercely contested match, the Bulldogs faced Bishop Kelly High. Despite their valiant efforts, Sandpoint fell short, pushing them into the third-fourth place match.

In the battle for the bronze, Sandpoint went head-to-head with Jerome High. The match was intense, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and teamwork. Despite their relentless efforts, the Bulldogs ultimately finished in fourth place — missing out on the podium but earning valuable experience and respect from their peers.

Coach Dalton Hawkins reflected on the Overwatch team's performance.

"We started strong but struggled with some of the counters,” Hawkins said. “Nick [Nicholas Weisgram, team captain] started to lose his voice prior to the competition but was able to make himself heard as much as possible. In the end, some team struggles resulted in the Bulldogs not walking away with that win. We definitely were in the running. We went in expecting fourth, though we thought it would be a different team keeping us there."

The Apex Legends competition presented its own set of challenges. A significant delay disrupted the schedule, causing the Bulldogs to wait for several hours before their matches began. Unlike many of their opponents, Sandpoint did not have the opportunity to warm up adequately, putting them at a slight disadvantage. Nevertheless, the Bulldogs showed resilience and adaptability. 

Over the course of four matches, the team accumulated an impressive 61 points, demonstrating their tactical acumen and in-game expertise. Their performance earned them a well-deserved second place, just behind Vallivue High. This achievement was celebrated with the presentation of the second-place trophy, a testament to the Bulldogs' hard work and dedication.

"The delay of the games definitely impacted our ability, and while it was cool for us to be on stage, it impacted our ability for the players to warm up and be ready when the first drop happened,” Hawkins said. “Basically, the first match was our warm-up, which definitely showed in the score. Nick was still struggling with his voice but was able to make some good calls that ultimately got us the points and match placement we needed to make up for the points we didn't get in that first match. I am super proud of what those three [Ethan Barcklay, Nicholas Weisgram, Everett Harrison] were able to accomplish."

The Sandpoint High Esports team’s journey at the state tournament highlights the growing significance of esports in high school athletics. With their strong performances and unwavering spirit, the Bulldogs have firmly established themselves as a formidable force in the Idaho esports scene.