Iml Baseball
In predicted order of finish:
Lakeland Hawks
1998 records: 15-6 overall, 9-2 league
Current record: 3-1
Coach: Ken Busch, 9th year
Top returners: Dan Dockter, senior, c; Derek Felton, sr., ss; Kris Jeppsen, sr., p/of; Bryan Phelps, sr., cf; Taylor Skidmore, sr., 1b/of; Mike Banks, junior, p; Jeremy McMillen jr., of; Kevin Reese, jr., p/inf; Chase Williams, jr., inf.
Top newcomers: Chad Stutheit, jr., c/of; Matt Ridenour, jr., inf; Paul Gorton jr., 2b; Dan Dixon, jr., dh; Brian Selby, sr., of; Jesse Rogstad, sr., of.
Coach’s comments: “We will hit well. Our biggest question is defense. We played Friday and made seven errors …”
Outlook: The Hawks can spank the ball, evident by the seven home runs in their first four games. Solid pitching and depth will keep the Hawks well-armed.
St. Maries Lumberjacks
1998 records: 12-12, 4-8
Current record: 2-3
Coach: Jeff Andersen, 9th year
Top returners: Trent Duffey, jr., p/of; Pat Eberlin, jr., 3b; Jake Adams, sophomore, ss; Joe Smith, sr., 2b; Greg Sindt, jr., c.
Top newcomers: Kyle Stevenson, jr., 1b; Mike Schwartz, freshman, of.
Coach’s comments: “This is the first year we ever had a junior varsity, so we couldn’t be more happy with our outlook. Now we we have a chance to build. I’d say we are probably playing for next year.”
Outlook: The Lumberjacks have an abundance of talent, but may struggle until team jells. Eberlin is out with an ankle injury from basketball. There is a lot riding on Duffey and Sindt.
Priest River Spartans
1998 records: 5-17, 2-10
Current record: 0-0
Coach: Lou Musso, 3rd year
Top returners: Lucas Blaine, sr., c/p; Justin Kershaw, sr., ss; Ryan Redinger, sr., c; Asher Duquette, sr., 1b; Caleb Troumbley, soph., p.
Top newcomers: Seth Madsen, soph., utility.
Coach’s comments: “We’ll be fairly competitive. We still haven’t established the program like the Lakelands and Moscows, but we are getting there.”
Outlook: Small turnout (14) could hurt chances, but Spartans may surprise. Musso has to convert throwers into pitchers to contend.
Timberlake Tigers
1998 records: None, first year
Current record: 3-0
Coach: Brian Graves, 1st year
Top players: (Varsity players from Lakeland) Jesse Rinehart, sr., c; Don Cypher, jr., ss; Adam Rouse, sr., cf; Craig Craviotto, sr., lf; Thor Yarbrough, sr. rf/p.
Top newcomers: Jason Scheu, soph., 1b; John Baker, jr., p.
Coach’s comments: “It’s fun for these kids to get a chance. Some of them have emerged from Lakeland’s shadow to prove they can play.”
Outlook: Despite the loss of pitcher Bobby Jenks (eligibility), pitching could carry the team. There are six seniors providing strong leadership to help mold younger talent. The Tigers should be a contender.
Bonners Ferry Badgers
1998 records: 10-11, 3-9
Current record: 0-2
Coach: Tim Crownover, 2nd year
Top returners: Todd Bateman, sr., ss/p; Justin Anderson, p/of; Rama Scarlett, sr., cf; Colin Gause sr., 2b; Ryan Garten, sr., 1b.
Top newcomers:Shane Hoover, frosh., c.
Coach’s comments: “I have two solid pitchers (Bateman and Anderson) who can bring it. … Some solid timely hitting should keep us in the thick of it.”
Outlook: The pitching staff will have to deal with a freshman catcher until ailing starting senior Willie Maas can return. The Badgers will need a lot of offensive punch.
PLAYERS TO WATCH Trent Duffey, jr., p/cf, St. Maries Dan Dockter, sr., c, Lakeland Thor Yarbrough, sr., rf, Timberlake Lucas Blaine, sr., c/p, Priest River Todd Bateman, sr., ss/p, Bonners Ferry