Coeur D’Alene Sets Pace In Softball, Baseball

If people want to see what the defending State A-1 champion softball team looks like and a potential state-title winning baseball team, take a drive on N. Fourth Street in Coeur d’Alene just about any spring day.

Most days will find Coeur d’Alene’s softball team and its title-hungry baseball team playing or likely practicing at the same time.

If the Viks’ softball team doesn’t repeat, it’s a good bet it will have a say in crowning a state champ. CdA returns the top pitcher in the state in Blake Hoorelbeke and lost just three starters to graduation.

After knocking on the door of a state title last year, the CdA baseball team hopes this season will be its breakthrough year.

For Inland Empire League softball and baseball teams, the road to state should go through CdA. The Vik teams are heavily favored to win league and regional titles.

In the Intermountain League, Lakeland is heavily favored in baseball while the softball title could be a tug of war between as many as three teams.

Here’s a look at how area baseball and softball teams qualify for state.

Baseball

The A-1 state field and format has been changed. The field has been expanded to 12 teams, meaning the IEL will receive two state berths every year instead of every other year.

State, which will be held in the Boise area May 20-22, will be divided into four pools of three teams each. Each team will play two games the first day with the pool winners advancing to semifinal games.

CdA is picked to win league and regional titles. The runner-up berth appears wide-open with traditional power Lewiston given a slight nod.

Lakeland lost a few players to new sister school Timberlake, but the Hawks are loaded offensively.

If Lakeland’s pitching develops, it can contend for a state title.

The IML receives two state berths. Priest River, St. Maries and Timberlake will battle for the runner-up berth.

State will be held May 20-22 in the Boise area.

Wallace, which finished third at state last year, will meet the District II third-place team in a single-game playoff May 15 at Coeur d’Alene.

State is May 20-22 in the Boise area.

Softball

CdA will get an opportunity to defend its title close to home. State will be held May 20-22 at Quad Park in Post Falls.

The Vikings return nearly intact. Some of their stiffest competition should come in league. Lake City figures to push for league and regional titles.

The IML district and runner-up teams also will play at state close to home. State will be held at the same time as A-1 in CdA.

Defending league champ Lakeland, St. Maries and Timberlake will challenge for state berths.