Bulldogs looking to 'leave no doubts' in 2011

SANDPOINT — Boasting hungry seniors, a deep pitching staff and rock-solid defense, the Sandpoint baseball team has its sights set firmly on a trip to the state tournament in 2011.

The ending to last season was one head coach Chris Young and a host of returning varsity players have had to stew on for the past year, as the Bulldogs built a 6-3 lead in the district championship before a stamp-size strike zone by the home plate umpire led to a frustrating parade of walks, and ultimately a 17-13 loss to Lakeland.

But that was then, and this is now, and this year’s team is eager to erase that memory with some new and far more pleasant ones.

“What was left in our mouth last year with Lakeland . . . when we get to play them, we need to leave no doubts,” says Young of his chief 4A North competition. “All of the seniors feel like they’ve got a lot to prove.”

Leading the way will be a pair of senior three-year varsity starters in staff ace Tevin Hamilton and centerfielder Nick Halpin, each of whom spent the winter keeping their skills sharp on the handball court.

Hamilton will team with seniors Tyler Gordon and Markus Davis to give the Bulldogs three quality inning eaters. Young believes pitching will take the team wherever it’s going to go this year, anchored by Hamilton.

“Tevin will win our big ball games,” believes Young. “He’s got control of all three pitches — fastball, curve and change — and can throw them for strikes at any time in the count.”

Backing up a solid pitching staff will be a defense with very few holes, led by returning All-Inland Empire League senior catcher Eric Nikssarian, whom Young calls a good leader, and Halpin, who brings plenty of speed and instincts to cover the outfield.

“Nick is absolutely the man in the outfield,” says Young, lauding his senior’s quick jump at contact. “He knows where the ball is going to land when it’s hit.”

Junior short stop Ryan Schwartz will join Sam Nitcy, Zac Farrell and Michael Lorden in an infield that lacks much varsity experience. Hamilton will also play infield when he’s not pitching, teaming with the talented Schwartz to provide a slick double-play combo.

“Since I’ve been in Sandpoint, Ryan has the best hands, best range and best overall defense at short that I’ve seen,” says Young of Schwartz, a 4.0 student who prefers to lead by example. “He doesn’t ever say much, just lets his glove do the talking for him.”

While last year’s team featured some power bats and plenty of home runs, this year’s lineup will focus more on small ball and manufacturing runs. Young had high praise for assistant coach Tom Barlow, in his second year working with the hitters.

The Bulldogs will focus on occupying second base and being aggressive on the base paths, opting to win more with pitching and defense instead of the long ball.

The Bulldogs are at Lakeland today in a big season opener. It will mark the first time all year the team will play on grass, after two weeks in a gym.