Schoening pours in 49 to break SHS scoring record

RATHDRUM — Madi Schoening has accomplished some amazing feats on the hardwood this season, but outscoring Lakeland by herself might just be the most impressive to date.

Schoening erupted for a career high 49 points to lead the Bulldogs (12-8, 4-0 4A IEL) to a 65-46 win over the Hawks Tuesday night in 4A Inland Empire League girls basketball at Lakeland High School, capping a perfect season in league play and earning the No. 1 seed at districts.

Schoening eclipsed the Sandpoint school record of 40 points, held by Ali Nieman, who went on to have a stellar career at the University of Idaho. She finished 16 of 23 from the field, was a sizzling 7 of 8 from beyond the arc, and made 10-of 12 free throws in an impressive offensive display.  

“The bucket was huge for her. She got a few easy buckets that got her warmed up. They (Lakeland) had a hard time adjusting to our press,” said Bulldogs assistant coach Will Love. “She continued to work her way further out from the basket. The basket was bigger and bigger as she was moving out.”

Sandpoint jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, as the Hawks (5-15, 0-4 4A IEL) simply didn’t have an answer for stopping Schoening. Grace Kirscher added nine points and Elani Williams seven, as the trio accounted for all but two of the Bulldogs points.

The win was a nice end to the regular season, and the team will look to carry momentum into the district tournament.

“It’s great to go 4-0 in league, that was one of hour goals,” said Love. “We still have another goal, that district championship next Wednesday.”

The Bulldogs will face the Moscow/Lakeland winner in the district championship on Feb. 11 at North Idaho College.

Sandpoint 18  13  15  19 — 65

Lakeland   5   16   12  12 — 46

SANDPOINT — Williams 7, Schoening 49, Converse 2, Robertson 0, Ward 0, Martin 0, Couch 0, Kirscher 9, Bluemer 0.