Young Viks open state with Eagle

The Coeur d’Alene baseball team is making its fifth straight trip to the State 5A tournament in coach Nick Rook’s fifth year as head coach.

At some point, the Vikings figure to knock the door down and make some noise. Whether that happens this weekend is to be determined.

CdA (19-5) opens tourney play tonight when it faces District III runner-up Eagle (17-8) at Memorial Field in Boise.

The Viks are young overall. CdA starts five to seven juniors, two sophomores and one freshman. But all the sophomores and juniors have state experience.

“I like how we match up with Eagle,” Rook said.

One thing’s for sure. CdA takes some hot bats to state. The Viks erupted for 25 runs in their 25-15 win over Lewiston in the Region I championship game.

The 4A tournament is at Bishop Kelly, beginning today. Moscow opens against Bishop Kelly.

The 3A tournament is at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Ore. Timberlake (14-7) faces Kimberly (17-5) and Priest River (15-7) goes against perennial power South Fremont (13-10).

The 2A tournament is at Orofino. St. Maries (16-2) takes on Melba.

State track

The Idaho state championships are Friday and Saturday at two sites.

The 5A and 4A meets are at Eagle High School while the 3A, 2A and 1A meets are at Middleton High School.

No North Idaho teams will challenge for state championships. But a number of athletes will contend for gold.

Jordan Ward of Lakeland will be out to defend a state title in the high jump in 4A along with Nikole Alamillo of Sandpoint in the discus.