IML softball
In predicted order of finish:
Timberlake Tigers
2005 records: 22-5 overall, 12-0 league
Coach: Mike Menti
Years coaching: 7th
Returning lettermen, starters: 6, 5
Key players: Kayla Allred, junior, pitcher/outfielder; Holli Edelblute, jr., catcher/shortstop; Whisper Brown, sr., center fielder; Lauren Brunko, sr., third baseman/outfielder; Afton Allred, freshman, p/third baseman.
Coach’s comments: “Pitching-wise, we’ll be fine. Offensively, we’ll be as strong as we’ve ever been.”
Outlook: Menti has the makings of a special team. The problem is Timberlake may not be pushed in league. That could present problems when the Tigers get to state.
St. Maries Lumberjacks
2005 records: 24-6, 9-3
Coach: Nicole Guthas
Years coaching: 1st
Returning lettermen, starters: 7, 4
Key players: Rayna Eisses, sr., ss; Rachel Kennedy, sophomore, p; Sam Siron, jr., c; Kelsi Lee, sr., first baseman.
Coach’s comments: “They’re coming together as a team and they’re really focused. They seem to be dedicated to team cohesion, and that’s a key component of female athletic teams.”
Outlook: The Lumberjacks have glaring holes to fill. But St. Maries should find adequate replacements and make a run at the opportunity to play for a state berth through the play-in game.
Priest River Spartans
2005 records: 9-17, 4-8
Coach: John Mullaley
Years coaching: 11th
Returning lettermen, starters: 8, 8
Key players: Shauna Schreiber, sr., p; Liz Karkoski, sr., 2b/of; Hailey Yount, sr., of/1b; Tami Cox, sr., 1b; Amber Hirst, jr., s; Hanna Donnerberg, fr., c.
Coach’s comments: “I think we’ll be able to compete with (Timberlake). That’s what we’re working toward.”
Outlook: The Spartans will certainly battle with St. Maries. Whether the Spartans have enough firepower to challenge Timberlake remains to be seen.
Kellogg Wildcats
2005 records: 6-18, 4-8
Coach: Alan Williams
Years coaching: 21st overall, 1st at Kellogg
Returning lettermen, starters: 6, 3
Key players: Lacy Bishop, jr., p; Sam Pickering, sr., 1b; Laurel Lane, jr., ss; Chris Turbak, soph., c.
Coach’s comments: “They’ve been working real hard. I think we’re going to be a pretty good defensive team.”
Outlook: The Wildcats will need to be sound on defense to contend with the upper-division teams. Otherwise, it could be a long year.
Bonners Ferry Badgers
2005 records: 2-13, 1-11
Coach: Lynda Ekstrom
Years coaching: 1st
Returning lettermen, starters: 4, 1
Key players: Sara Kerby, sr., c; Justine Ekstrom, sr., p; Jordann Dennis, sr., p; Desi Aitkin, soph., infielder.
Coach’s comments: “I have a wonderful group of girls. They’re really dedicated. We want to create an atmosphere where they’ll want to come back (next year).”
Outlook: Ekstrom has many, many uphill battles. She’s the fourth coach in four years, so there’s been a significant lack of continuity.