Kirscher drains five 3-pointers in win over Wildcats

SANDPOINT — Junior Grace Kirscher nailed five shots from beyond the arc en route to a game-high 21 points, leading the Bulldogs past the Wildcats 53-37 in nonleague girls basketball Tuesday night at Andrews Gymnasium.

Kirscher also tallied six rebounds and dished out four assists, as the Bulldogs (1-4) jumped out early and never looked back in picking up their first win after a tough opening schedule.

“She’s just a good player,” Kellogg coach Eli Bourgard said. “We knew we were going to have to limit her, but she can score inside and outside. We did a decent job of rebounding, but were giving up a lot of size.”

Trinity Golder finished with 12 points and four rebounds, and Grace Hicks had five points and four boards to pace the Bulldogs, who used a deep bench to wear down the Wildcats.

“Our conditioning is starting to pay off. We got them tired, and kept pushing it,” described Bulldogs head coach Duane Ward. “Our defense was solid, caused them a lot of problems, especially our half court trap. We pushed the ball, the kids are getting used to it.”

Marley Chambers scored nine points for Kellogg (4-1) in defeat.

Ward said Kirscher has been triggering the fast break, and the offense is starting to find a rhythm.

“Our movement is getting better, and it’s really helping Grace. She’s doing a lot of stuff for us right now,” admitted Ward, also praising Grace Hicks. “She’s starting to attack the basket, starting to come around. We’re looking forward to good things from her.”

The Bulldogs host Timberlake on Friday night, looking to avenge a loss in the season opener.

Sandpoint 15 9 17 12 — 53

Kellogg 7 6 14 10 — 37

SANDPOINT — Mattila 0, Tomazich 4, Darling 4, Kaul 1, Ward 6, Laybourne 0, Golder 12, Hicks 5, Kirscher 21.

KELLOGG — Arthur 3, Riekena 6, Nunz 0, Rauenhorst 0, Cates 6, Senteny 3, Sheppard 7, Chambers 9, Figueroa 3, Bristow 0.