Sandpoint 63, Lakeland 56

SANDPOINT — Down by 10 points after the first quarter, the Bulldogs turned things around and notched a win over 4A IEL rival Lakeland at Les Rogers Court on Friday.

Down 21-11 after one, Sandpoint started out the second quarter on a 7-0 run, which flipped the energy in the gym instantly. The Bulldogs trailed just 34-29 at halftime after some solid play.

After halftime, it was Emerik Jones who really shined for Sandpoint. Jones came out on fire in the third quarter, scoring 11 of his game-high 22 points to help lift the Bulldogs to victory

“I just went out there and played like I was the best player on the court,” Jones said. “I wasn’t selfish with the ball; I kept my head up when I made a bad play. I just kept at it — kept playing hard throughout” Jones said.

After taking a 44-43 lead late in the third, the Bulldogs extended their lead to five, 57-52, late in the fourth, and then finished off the victory with some great defensive stands.

“When we had opportunities, we took advantage of them,” coach Childs said. “I’m proud of tonight’s group effort. I thought it was a good team win and anytime you can get a league win it’s important. Emerik Jones carried us through the third and into the fourth, then Parker Childs came in and scored the ball well. However, Luke Leavitt, Wil Leisy, Caiden Gion, all played excellent. We probably don't win this game without them.”

In addition to his 21 points, Jones pulled down nine rebounds, recorded two steals and blocked two shots. Senior Parker Childs had 14 points and three steals while freshman Derrick Chamberlain had 10 and hauled in nine rebounds. Luke Leavitt had eight assists off the bench for the Bulldogs.

Sandpoint (6-6, 1-0) will play Bonners Ferry at home Wednesday.

Lakeland 21 13 12 10 - 56

Sandpoint 11 18 17 17 - 63

PTS: SPT – Jones 22,  Childs 14, Chamberlain 10, Gion 6, Leisy 6, Williams 3, Roos 2. LAK – Roth 16, Hensley 9, Norce 7, Ferguson 7, Harris 6, Varner 6, Hillman 3, Weil 2.

REB: SPT – Jones 9, Chamberlain 9, Leavitt 4, Leisy 3, Gion 3, Childs 2, Roos 1. LAK – Harris 12, Hensley 5, Roth 4, Ferguson 2, Varner 2, Weil 1, Carnell 1.

AST: SPT – Leavitt 8, Roos 2, Childs 1, Jones 1. LAK – Roth 4, Harris 2, Ferguson 2, Hensley 1.

STL: SPT – Gion 3, Jones 2, Williams 2, Leavitt 1. LAK – Harris 2, Ferguson 2, Norce 1, Hensley 1, Weil 1, Roth 1.

BLK: SPT – Leisy 2, Jones 2, Roos 1. LAK – None.