Bulldogs stuggle for offense in loss to Timberwolves

SANDPOINT — The Lake City boys had a built-in excuse for a slow start, what with the bus trip from Coeur d’Alene to Sandpoint delayed for 90 minutes because of a wreck on the Long Bridge.

But they didn’t need one, jumping out to a 27-16 halftime lead and riding a stingy defense to a 56-36 win over Sandpoint on Thursday in nonleague boys basketball at Les Rogers Court.

Hunter Schaffer drained three 3-pointers among his game-high 15 points for the Timberwolves (8-7), who got some quality looks in transition and were able to get to the rim in half court sets, while James Carlson added 11.

“We came out ready to play after it took two and a half hours to get here,” said Timberwolves coach Jim Winger. “We played great defense and ran some good things offensively.”

Robbie Johnson and Alex Stockton combined for 21 points to lead the Bulldogs (6-9), who never seemed to find a rhythm offensively until the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs, coming off a pair of strong showings in close losses to Lakeland and Lewiston, travel to face No. 3 ranked 5A Post Falls on Saturday, looking to end a seven game skid.

Lake City 12 15 12 17 — 56

Sandpoint 7 9 6 14 — 36

LAKE CITY — Schaffer 15, McCartin 9, Kolden 8, Sensel 0, Spellman 0, Irvin 0, Carlson 11, Manzardo 5, Kiesbuy 2, Pollow 6.

SANDPOINT — Vernon 5, Dalthorp 0, Niemela 0, Ortega 0, Davis 6, Jones 0, Johnson 10, Pettit 0, Stockton 11, Casey 4.