SANDPOINT — As students at Sandpoint Middle School shuffle across the basketball court, they’ll be greeted by more than just a new season. Two new scoreboards, donated by local businesses, Idagon Homes and Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, are set to elevate future gamedays. 

Until this year, the SMS basketball court has used hand-me-down scoreboards from Sandpoint High School. That will change when new scoreboards are slated to be installed this fall, said SMS assistant principal Crosby Tajan. 

“We were happy to get them over here. They’ve been in service here for about five years, but with all the renovations that we’re doing to SMS, we thought it would be good to have new scoreboards that have updated capabilities,” said Tajan. 

In addition to new scoreboards, renovations to the school’s basketball court will see two full-sized courts, allowing the school to host tournaments once construction is completed in summer 2027, said Tajan. 

The new scoreboards will also run independently, a significant update from the previous scoreboards, which ran together. 

“Having the technological ability to do that is huge,” said Tajan, adding that the new scoreboards will operate using a Bluetooth interface. 

“That will allow our PE coaches and outside user groups to be able to easily access the boards and control them without tracking down an old interface module,” said Tajan. 

Tajan said that after expanding the court, new scoreboards would not be in the budget for the school renovation project. 

“So, I started pounding the pavement, making calls,” said Tajan. 

Idagon Homes quickly stepped up, agreeing to fund the big scoreboard. Justin Shuck, co-owner of the business, said his immediate answer was yes. 

“I went to Sandpoint Middle School and Sandpoint High School, so I’ve got some Bullpup pride,” said Shuck. 

With one scoreboard secured, Tajan reached out to Taylor & Sons Chevrolet, which led to a commitment from the dealership to cover the cost of the smaller scoreboard. 

Brett Taylor, dealer principal of the business, said that as a decades-long supporter of Sandpoint Bulldog and Bullpup athletics, “Taylor & Sons Chevrolet was honored to be asked to contribute to the re-model of the gym.” 

The new scoreboards will look almost identical to the current scoreboards, but with modernized technology, said Tajan.

They’ll also allow athletes to use the space more efficiently by enabling two SMS teams to practice at the same time, freeing up time for outside user groups, like little league, to start practice earlier. 

“It’s fun that we’re business owners in this town that can still help out and make Sandpoint a better place,” said Struck.