Softball Enters New Era With State Sanctioning

North Idaho softball teams will play for more than bragging rights and a trophy this season. A place in the history books will be at stake.

Softball will be recognized as a sanctioned sport by the Idaho High School Activities Association for the first time.

In the past, the state tourney was invitational. On May 16-17 in Coeur d’Alene, though, the top schools in A-1 and A-2 will compete for the official title of state champion.

“I’m glad it is official this year, because last year some of the schools from Southern Idaho that were contenders didn’t come up,” Moscow coach Robin Barnes said.

Moscow, which lost to Lakeland in the A-2 title game last year, will be one of many North Idaho schools with a good chance to win it all.

Lakeland will be favored to repeat, as the Hawks lost only one player from last year. The pitching of sisters Monica and Tiffany Hall will be the key to defending the title.

Lake City will be one of the favorites in A-1 after placing second in last year’s tournament.

“It means a little more to do well this year,” Lake City coach Dwight Wilson said. “With all the best teams here, there will be some exciting opportunities for the kids to get looked at by college recruiters.”

The T-Wolves will also be anchored by a pair of returning pitchers in Courtney Zimmerman and Amber Barnes.

Coaches said they are hoping there won’t be a repeat of the heavy rain that plagued last year’s state tournaments in Coeur d’Alene.