Burgstahler, Schwartz power Bulldogs past Spartans

SANDPOINT — Matthew Burgstahler led a balanced Bulldog squad with 10 points and eight dimes, and Nathan Schwartz tallied eight points and 11 boards, leading the Bulldogs to a 59-51 win in nonleague boys basketball Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court.

The Bulldogs (1-2) turned a tight game at half into a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, before withstanding a final run from the Spartans to put the game away.

“We pretty much dominated on the boards. We kept the pressure on, we’re pressing to grind people for 32 minutes,” said Bulldogs head coach Tyler Haynes. “We love playing Priest River, you’re always going to get a great game from Bodecker’s kids.”

Isaiah Lutz added nine points and Thomas Edwards and Nick Nelson eight apiece, as the Bulldogs spread the offense around. T.J. Alsager finished with eight rebounds and Chase Rodriguez six to control the glass.

Jimmy Koch kept the game close, leading the Spartans (2-1) with a game-high 18 points. Head coach Ryan Bodecker was pleased with his team’s effort, closing to 55-51 with a minute left after a solid run.

“We turned the ball over, but credit that to Sandpoint, they forced us into mistakes,” said Bodecker. “I liked how we fought back in the end.”

Sandpoint hits the road to face Pendleton on Friday.

Priest River  12   14   9   16 — 51

Sandpoint    10   15   16   18 — 59

PRIEST RIVER — Akre 8, Riley 4, Sommer 8, Stelow 6, Duley 3, Nunley 0, Kock 18, Roland 4.

SANDPOINT — Jurenka 5, Rodriguez 2, Couch 5, Schwartz 8, Nelson 8, Burgstahler 10, Edwards 8, Alsager 4, Lutz 9.