Sandpoint Bombers use late surge to win Zootown Classic
(Photo courtesy of GARY CESSNA) The Sandpoint Bombers pose after their Zootown Classic victory. Pictured from left to right are Kamryn Nadeja, Payton Betz, Boston Bode, Karlie Banks, Daylee Driggs, Kelsey Cessna, Anna Reinink and Tru Tomco.
The Sandpoint Bombers 8th grade girls AAU team competed in the Zootown Classic in Missoula, Montana — an event featuring over 71 teams — winning all their games to become tournament champions.
In the championship game against the Great Falls Blaze, the Bombers were down by three with 19 seconds left in the game until Kelsey Cessna stole the inbounds pass and found Karlie Banks, who nailed a three at the buzzer to send the game to overtime.
In the two-minute overtime period, Daylee Driggs, Anna Reinink, Tru Tomco, Cessna and Banks stepped it up on defense, holding the Great Falls Blaze scoreless. The Bombers forced a turnover and Cessna scored the only basket needed for the 41-39 victory.
The win couldn’t have been possible without Kamryn Nadeja’s defense, plus the efforts of newcomers Payton Betz and Boston Bode — both of whom are also starting to become more confident in their roles.
The Bombers also placed second at the River City Challenge Tournament in Post Falls earlier this season. They have a 10-2 record overall, and are undefeated in league play thanks to wins over local middle schools Post Falls, Lakeland, Timberlake and St Maries.
Coached by Gary Cessna and Derick Driggs, the Bombers are part of the newly formed Sandpoint Future AAU basketball program.