Johnson scores 20, as patient Bulldogs fall to Hawks

SANDPOINT — The Bulldogs took advantage of no shot clock, slowing the pace and nearly pulling off a methodical upset in a 44-41 loss to the Hawks in 4A Inland Empire League boys basketball Friday night during the Battle for the Paddle at Les Rogers Court.

Jalen Skalskiy scored 12 and Dylan Vahey nine for the Hawks (10-4, 1-1 4A IEL), who were held to just 12 points by a stingy Sandpoint defense in the second and third quarters.

Three sport standouts Robbie Johnson and Alex Stockton continue to carry the load for the Bulldogs (6-8, 0-2 4A IEL), with Johnson scoring 20 and Stockton 10, as the duo combined to score 12 of the Bulldogs’ 14 points in the fourth quarter and crunch time.

The Hawks led by seven to start the fourth, before six straight points by Johnson cut the lead to three. A put back by Brandon Casey again cut the lead to three with a minute left, and a big steal by Stockton helped the Bulldogs cut the lead to one briefly after he ripped down a rebound and scored to make it 42-41 with 33 seconds left.

A jump ball late in the game went the Hawks’ way, and they were able to close out the game on a pair of late free throws.

Sandpoint hosts Lake City on Thursday, looking to break a six game losing streak after starting the season 6-2.

Lakeland 19 4 8 13 — 44

Sandpoint 10 8 9 14 — 41

LAKELAND — Taylor 0, Zubaly 3, Johnson 5, Knight 6, Vahey 9, Davis 7, Skalskiy 12, Neilson 2, Haaland 0.

SANDPOINT — Vernon 0, Dalthorp 0, Niemela 0, Davis 0, Jones 6, Johnson 20, Casey 5, Stockton 10.