Lakers third at Legion A district tournament
<p>Sandpoint surprised the field with a third place finish at the district tournament last weekend at Lewis-Clark State College. Pictured are Tyler Newton, Logan Magro, Talon Dewey, Paul Sundquist, Kyle Perry, Nick Holland, Kaleb Merrill, Jackson Russo, Chandler Brewington, Bear Youngdahl, Malaki Smith, Alex Feyen, John Humrich, Nate Stangel, assistant coach Jordan Byers and head coach Hollis Stewart. (Courtesy photo)</p>
SANDPOINT — Two seventh inning rallies spurred the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers to a pair of come-from-behind wins over Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston, earning third place as the Lakers went 2-2 at the American Legion District Tournament at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston.
The Lakers lost twice to Orofino in the Legion “A” tournament, but notched a pair of big wins by beating Coeur d’Alene 7-6, then knocking host Lewiston out of the double-elimination tournament with a 4-3 win.
Interim head coach Hollis Stewart, who was filling in for Scott Fitchett, who was in Alaska, was thankful for the chance to coach the team to a trophy in the seven team tournament. The last inning rallies for wins were a testament to the character of the team.
“Nobody expected us to win a game, under the circumstances,” said Stewart, lauding the heart and perseverance of the kids. “Their character and being willing to make adjustments was the key.”
Stewart said it was a complete team effort, praising the mound work of Bear Youngdahl, Alex Feyen and Tyler Newton, as injuries thinned the pitching staff. He also praised the leadership of catcher Paul Sundquist, who had a couple of big hits to key rallies.
It’s never easy to have a new coach take over so late in the season, but Stewart loved how the team adjusted to his coaching style.
“We were real aggressive. We had nothing lose down here,” said Stewart. We simplified the offense, attacked the ball at the plate and put it in play.”