Cold shooting knocks Bulldogs out of state
(Photo by JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY) Dawson Driggs was one of two Sandpoint freshman who saw action at state, earning the praise of their coach in the process.
(Photo by JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY) Junior Calli Laybourne and the Bulldogs saw their season come to an end Friday in Meridian.
MERIDIAN — It’s always tough when the season comes to an end at state, but unlike some senior-heavy years, all but one of the Bulldogs on the floor Friday will return next season, offering a sliver of a silver lining in a tough 46-35 loss to Minico in the consolation round of the 4A state basketball tournament at Mountain View High School.
The Bulldogs (10-13) defended well, holding Minico (15-7) to single digits in two of the quarters, but the team never seemed to find any rhythm offensively, which against a quality opponent spelled the end of the season.
Sandpoint head coach Duane Ward praised the effort of his team, which did everything possible to stage a comeback but seemed to play from behind for most of the game.
“The kids worked extremely hard. They never gave up,” he said. “We missed some easy shots early, but played pretty good defense. We went to a man defense in the fourth quarter and forced four straight turnovers.”
Trinity Golder led the Bulldogs with 15 points, finishing the two games at state with 41 points and serving notice that she’ll be a player to watch next season.
Ward had high praise for his junior shooting guard, who features a smooth offensive game with great range and the ability to create her own shot and score on the move.
“She showed some poise, she’s a gamer. She’s able to concentrate and step up and take her shots,” described Ward. “She has no fear, not afraid of failure. If she gets the room, she’s taking her shot. One of our go-to players.”
Grace Kirscher added 11 points, four rebounds and three steals, and will team with Golder next season to form one of the best back-courts in the state.
Also returning next season will be Grace Hicks, who finished with four points, seven boards and two steals, and will be one of the prime building blocks for the program moving forward.
The Bulldogs lost three players from their regular rotation to injury this season, and when they return next year the seasoned team could have the makings for a special season.
“They’re young, they’re all coming back. We’re going to build on it,” said Ward. “The experience was good for these young kids, I think it’s going t o serve them well down the road. We told them after the game you have to realize your accomplishments. We’re down here for the fourth straight year.”
The Bulldogs committed just 13 turnovers while forcing 23 against Minico, which usually bodes well, but simply had a tough time scoring the basketball, making just 14 of 51 attempts, including 1 of 14 from beyond the arc. Defensively they played well enough to win both games, but at some point you’ve got to get buckets to win at state.
“We had shooting problems, they just weren’t falling,” said Ward, who played with a thin bench of just eight players. “Our kids were playing more minutes, our legs got tired and it caused us to commit fouls. Those injuries really showed up. Lack of depth was a factor today.”
Minico 12 9 16 9 — 46
Sandpoint 7 9 10 9 — 35
MINICO — Anderson 14, Stimpson 14, Craythorn 4, Stutzman 8, Sayer 4, Black 2.
SANDPOINT — Morgan 0, Driggs 2, Kaul 2, Ward 1, Laybourne 0, Golder 15, Hicks 4, Tucker 0, Kirscher 11.