Cda Fastpitch Teams Take Titles

Three Coeur d’Alene-area fastpitch teams captured state titles and another took second in state tournaments last weekend.

The Coeur d’Alene Crush 18-and-under team, made up of players off the CdA High state championship team and runner-up Lake City, defeated Field of Dreams of Ontario, Ore., 5-2 to take the Idaho ASA state fastpitch title Sunday in CdA.

Most of the players on the Crush team played on the 16-U championship team last year. The Crush advance to the Region 15 tourney beginning Friday in Seattle.

The Crush 14-U team shut out the Boise Blast 3-0 in the title game at Quad Park in Post Falls. The CdA team goes to the regional tourney, which begins Friday in Boise.

The Crush 12-U team defeated the Rathdrum Prairie Girls twice to capture the title. In the final, CdA triumphed 10-2. Both teams advance to regionals beginning Friday in Moses Lake.

The Lakeland Stars took second in the 16-U tourney. Lakeland fought through the consolation bracket to defeat the Lewiston Sting 3-1 to force a second title game. Lewiston won the final 7-1.

Lakeland goes to the regionals beginning Friday in Tacoma.

Prep baseball

Gonzaga Prep has announced the hiring of G-Prep graduate Greg Gores as the school’s varsity baseball coach.

Gores, 31, graduated from G-Prep in 1986 and played outfield for Washington State from 1987-1991. He has served as Gonzaga University’s assistant baseball coach for six years.

“He’ll be a great addition to our coaching staff,” said G-Prep activities coordinator Mike Arte. “He brings a wealth of experience from GU.”

The job is an out-of-building position. Prep has also hired one of its chemistry teachers, Derek Duschene, at Gores’ assistant.

Gores is a salesman for Spokane Athletic.

Gores’ wife, Heather, is GU’s assistant women’s basketball coach.

Gores replaces Darryl Stephens, who was 19-33 in the Greater Spokane League for three seasons.

“We just thought it would be best, in the interest of the program, to go in a different direction,” Arte said.

“I think the biggest thing is to make sure the turnout is strong, and that we’re not missing the kids who are potential players,” Gores said.