SPIRIT LAKE — The fast start of Sandpoint proved to be too much for the Lakeland Hawks to overcome as the Bulldogs ran to a 55-26 win in the 4A Region 1 championship game on Thursday at Timberlake High.

Junior Trinity Golder scored a game-high 26 points for the Bulldogs (10-11), who advanced to the state 4A tournament for the fourth straight year.

“Our kids played well,” Sandpoint coach Duane Ward said. “Lakeland always makes our girls work hard.”

Sandpoint opened the game on a 13-1 run and led 26-9 at halftime.

“Our defense really was the key tonight,” Ward said. “And the girls ran the offense and played well, and we rebounded the ball well, especially in the first three quarters.”

Golder transferred from Bonners Ferry High after two years on its varsity.

“It’s kind of surreal,” Golder said. “I’m proud of the chance we have next week and get to be a part of the team. I’m really looking forward to state.”

Grace Kirscher added 20 points for Sandpoint, which plays at 12:15 p.m. PST next Thursday at Mountain View High.

“This team, we’re more balanced than last year,” Ward said. “Almost all of them got the chance to go down there. They might not have gotten playing time, but they got a valuable experience that I hope will benefit them next week.”

Sofi Schnepf scored six points for Lakeland, which finishes 4-19.

Lakeland 6 3 9 8 — 26

Sandpoint 19 7 11 18 — 55

LAKELAND — Cooper 0, Loutzenheiser 0, Schnepf 6, Edinger 0, Farris 1, Elpers 5, Kirk 3, Charles 1, Boyer 2, Dowd 2.

SANDPOINT — Morgan 0, Driggs 1, Kaul 2, Ward 5, Laybourne 0, Golder 26, Hicks 2, Steiger 0, Tucker 0, Kirscher 20.