Prep softball notebook: Bre Burke bringing it for CdA

Most of the standout pitchers in the Coeur d’Alene softball program’s rich history have tasted the ultimate end-of-season reward.

Senior Bre Burke has been close. The Vikings have finished runner-up the past two seasons since Burke took over for Lindsie Scholwinski, who led CdA to its most recent State 5A title in 2012.

As a freshman, Burke started in right field and saw limited time behind Scholwinski before taking over the pitching duties as a sophomore.

“Winning a state title is the only thing left for her to accomplish,” said CdA graduate and pitching coach Jenna (DeLong) Fore, who notched two title victories.

In the state final last year, Eagle’s Hailey Fisher hit a fifth-inning grand slam off Burke to propel the Mustangs past the Viks 8-6.

It’s something that still simmers under the surface of the fiery Burke.

“It wasn’t a good feeling,” Burke said. “It makes me want to work harder, and this is my last chance to end off as a state champion.”

The 5-foot-4 Burke packs much punch on the mound and at the plate. CdA’s cleanup hitter, she hit .464 last year and was named the 5A Inland Empire League most valuable player last spring.

Burke has picked up where she left off. Through CdA’s 7-0 start, Burke has six victories with 57 strikeouts, five walks and a 0.78 ERA. She’s hitting .583 with 14 RBIs.

Her career record is 49-9.

Ask Burke which she loves to do most, pitch or hit, and she can’t pick.

“I get equal enjoyment out of both,” she said. “It’s kind of unfair to compare them. They’re different skill sets.”

Burke gave UNLV an oral commitment three weeks ago.

“She’s a machine,” first-year CdA coach Darren Taylor said. “She throws five pitches and spots them all.”

Said Fore: “She’s a very deceptive pitcher. She throws exceptionally hard for her stature.”

Taylor said his competitive nature occasionally runs head on into Burke’s competitive personality.

“She’s probably too competitive at times,” Taylor said. “She won’t give in to a hitter. I’ll suggest that maybe she should try throwing something out of the zone to show a batter a different pitch. But no she wants to go right after the batter. She’s a fighter. She’s the heart and soul of the team.”

Burke, who carries a 4.0 grade-point average, says she’s a perfectionist to a fault.

“I’m my worst critic,” she said.

Burke started playing at age four and pitching two years later. She has played for the same summer travel team since her family moved to CdA from California when she was 10.

She credits her summer coach, Travis Smith, for making a significant impact on her development. She also praises Fore.

“She’s been there and knows what it is like,” Burke said. “She gives me these little critiques that make for a big advantage and a big difference in a pitch.”

Eagle, which graduated just one starter, is heavily favored to defend its state title. One national poll has the Mustangs ranked second in the nation.

Burke wants another shot at Eagle.

“Every day is preparation for state,” Burke said. “Each game, each practice, gets us ready for a chance to win a state title.

“We know they’re good. But I don’t think they’re better than us.”

Full of potential

In the first meeting between teams expected to duel for the league championship, defending champion Shadle Park blanked University 3-0.

Titans coach Jon Schuh came away much encouraged.

“I like our team, I really like our chances,” Schuh said. “We’re going to get better. We’re still young. I have just two seniors.”

Schuh is looking forward to the April 29 rematch.

“The mistakes that we’re making early I don’t think we’re going to make those late (in the season),” Schuh said. “That’s the key – who is going to get better at the end. I’ve got some girls with some good softball IQs that are going to be pretty good towards the end.”

Early highlights

Jaya Allen of Shadle Park had a grand slam and a two-run homer in the Highlanders’ season-opening 9-5 win over Mt. Spokane. She also struck out five in the complete game win. … Kylie Sweeney pitched a perfect game in Deer Park’s 18-0 win over Newport last month. She had nine strikeouts and hit a grand slam. … Kirsten Anstrom of University had a five inning no-hitter in a 29-1 win over Ferris including nine strikeouts. She also had a perfect day at the plate, going 5 for 5 with four RBI and four runs. … Rachel Wright of Northwest Christian hit three home runs in a Northeast 2B sweep of Colfax – two of them coming in a 10-8 win in the opener and a three-run shot in the bottom of the sixth to end the second game 15-4. … Sophomore Mattea Nelson, leadoff hitter and pitcher for NWC, went 7 of 8 in a sweep of Kettle Falls. She had 23 strikeouts in the doubleheader – 11 in the first game and 12 in the second.