Panhandle Picks with Greg Lee
As I expected, the guest and I had perfect weeks. That’s why there weren’t any games on which we could differ. So I instituted a point-differential format.
I was closest to the overall total, but there were several decisive victories (read blowouts). Paul Kingsbury, owner/editor of IdahoSports.com, and I both expected much closer games.
Although I was closest to the average margin of victory, I’m going to let the week stand as a tie. With two weeks left in the regular season, the scoreboard reads: Lee 48-15 (.762), Guests 44-19 (.698).
My guest this week is new Priest River boys basketball coach Ryan Bodecker. It’s been a busy year for the 2000 PR graduate. He married Katie Tikker, a former University of Idaho volleyball standout, in July. In addition to coaching basketball, he will continue as head baseball coach.
Lakeland at Sandpoint: I’ve said from the start of the year that Lakeland would earn its first 4A state playoff berth. I’m not changing my mind now.
The Hawks are better than they were a year ago when I picked them to break through against Sandpoint before they fell 21-20. Had the Hawks won last year it would have been considered an upset. If they do so Friday it won’t be. The 2007 Lakeland team, with a break or two, could be undefeated at this point.
Sandpoint has improved through the season, and playing at home is an advantage. But the Hawks will prevail. LL 24, Sandpoint 21.
Guest: Sandpoint will win a hard-fought game with balance on offense. Lakeland will put up a fight, but Sandpoint will pull away in the end. Sandpoint 21, Lakeland 10.
Lewiston at Post Falls: The Bengals have fallen in successive weeks to Sandpoint (31-17) and Coeur d’Alene (42-28). The only way this game is close is if the Trojans make mistakes. PF 36, Lewiston 21.
Guest: Post Falls will bounce back from a tough game last week against Lake City. The Trojans will prove to be tough at home. PF 28, Lewiston 13.
Clark Fork at Kootenai: The Wampus Cats have earned the chance to play for the North Star title. The Warriors have a more balanced offense and will keep CF’s offense off the field. Kootenai 48, CF 30.
Guest: Kootenai will show it is the class of the NSL with a big victory to seal up home field for the first round of the playoffs. Kootenai 50, CF 24.