Vikings share the rock, run past Tigers
<p>Coeur d’Alene High’s Tony Naccarato reaches for the ball between Timberlake players Dalton Jones (21) and Bob Cronnelly, left. Coeur d'Alene beat Timberlake 62-34 in the nonleague game at Elmer Jordan Court.</p>
<p>Timberlake High School’s Brayden Menti goes up for a loose ball as Coeur d’Alene defender Ryan Walde gets into position Wednesday during the first half in Coeur d’Alene.</p>
By JASON ELLIOTT
Sports writer
COEUR d'ALENE - One team has learned sharing.
The other is learning with a new set of players how to be successful with more experience against tougher competition.
Devin Kluss scored 15 points and Justin Carpenter had 10 points and six rebounds to lead the 5A Coeur d'Alene Vikings past the 3A Timberlake Tigers 62-34 in a nonleague boys basketball game on Wednesday night at Elmer Jordan Court.
"I thought we played hard and did a good job of sharing the ball," Coeur d'Alene coach Kurt Lundblad said. "We've been stressing (moving the ball around) in practice, and defensively, I thought we were good for the most part. We had a little lapse in the third quarter where Timberlake outworked us, but we did a good job tonight."
"I think we played pretty well defensively," Coeur d'Alene junior forward Tony Naccarato said. "Offensively, I was a little disappointed, so hopefully we'll come back with some more intensity on Friday."
Coeur d'Alene (2-0) hosts Chiawana on Friday.
"So far, so good," said Lundblad, who is in his first year as coach at Coeur d'Alene. "Everything is new to them and there's been a learning curve, but I think they've really been receptive and working their tails off every day. It's early in the season, but I couldn't be happier with their effort and attitude. One of the things that has pleased me has been our balance. Everyone is getting their touchdes and getting their points. Devin has done a good job running the floor and playing defensively, and so has Justin (Carpenter).
Timberlake (0-2), which lost its season opener to Lewiston 59-54 last Friday in Spirit Lake, was led by Scott with 12 points and Austin Allen with 11 points.
"Coeur d'Alene, you've got to tip your hat to them," Timberlake coach Tony Hanna said. "They've got some athletic kids, are well-coached, play hard and just get after it and do a good job of using the talent they have. I was pleased with the way we battled, but we're still a little inexperienced, but I think we'll be right where we want to be at the end of the season. We battled tonight, even though the scoreboard didn't show it. It was a good early season game."
Timberlake hosts Sandpoint of the 4A Inland Empire League tonight.
Coeur d'Alene led 20-3 late in the first quarter, but a 3-pointer by Timberlake's Keegan Scott made it 20-6 Vikings after the first quarter.
"I think it's easy for a smaller school like us to get intimidated by the size and name on the jersey," Hanna said. "I think it took a couple of shots going it to help us relax a little bit. Once we did that, the kids started playing basketball. Coeur d'Alene does a good job of playing as a team, but our group really lacks experience this year."
Timberlake advanced to the state 3A tournament for the first time in school history last season, and lost to the Vikings 57-54 in Spirit Lake in their previous meeting.
"We've got seven new guys on the roster, so it's new to them," Hanna said. "It's just nerves and as long as our guys don't get discouraged with the wins and losses early, I think we'll be all right. There's been some good moments to build on this year."
Timberlake 6 11 9 8 - 34
Coeur d'Alene 20 13 15 14 - 62
TIMBERLAKE - Cramer 1, Johnson 3, Austin 2, Menti 3, Scott 12, Jones 2, Allen 11, Kistler 0, Cronnelly 0, Tonkin 0, Malloy 0.
COEUR d'ALENE - Paulsen 0, Tripp 4, Daniels 9, Carpenter 10, Williams 0, Hicks 9, Kuetemeyer 0, Walde 5, Sparks 2, Kluss 15, Naccarato 8.