'It's ours for the taking'

SANDPOINT — A solid pitching staff? Check.

Offensive firepower throughout the lineup? Check.

The first trip to state in years? Well, some important league games in April and May will ultimately answer that question, but the Sandpoint baseball team is certainly in its best position in some time to contend for a district title.

Under the direction of third year manager Scott Fitchett, the program hit double digit wins last season and nearly upset Moscow in the district tournament. With the deepest talent in years, the program carries high hopes into its season opener at Coeur d’Alene today.

“The goal is to win league. Of the three years I’ve been here, this is the most even the three teams have been. It’s ours for the taking,” claims Fitchett, who wants his team to play with confidence. “Learning how to be the favorite. A lot of these kids have never been in that position before, when you’re in front. Managing those expectations will be the biggest thing.”

One of the most important elements for any contending team is a strong rotation, and the Bulldogs boast four underclassmen each capable of taking the rock and logging a quality start.

Junior lefty talon Dewey, when healthy, is probably the staff ace. Fitchett says when he’s right, he’s one of the top pitchers in North Idaho, featuring a fastball with some life and the ability miss bats. He’s also one of the team’s most dangerous hitters.

Right behind him is Patrick Kummer, who no-hit Orofino last year and also tossed in a four-hitter, junior Walker Jacobson, a downhill pitcher with sharp breaking stuff, and sophomore Tyrone Larson, who might have the best command on the staff. Kummer has the makeup that Fitchett loves on the mound.

“He thinks he’s the best pitcher on the planet, which is what you need,” describes Fitchett. “He’s tough when he’s in a groove, and he has four pitches.”

That staff figures to get plenty of run support, with a lineup featuring pop from top to bottom. Fitchett thinks offense could well be the team’s biggest strength.

“Offensively, we should be real good,” he says. “A combination of athleticism and power; they should do quite a bit.”

Anchoring the lineup from the cleanup spot is senior first baseman Paul Sundquist, the team’s leader. He’s got home run power, and doesn’t give away at-bats or get cheated at the plate.

“Great power, and he’s turned himself into arguably our best first baseman and third baseman defensively,” lauds Fitchett. “He can be a vocal leader, but leads by example. When he says things, they (teammates) know he has their best interest at heart.”

One of the toughest outs in the lineup is junior shortstop Caleb Edlund, who strung together a bunch of multi-hit games and even flirted with a Bulldog school record.

“He came within .15 of breaking the school record for average, and he’s only gotten better,” says Fitchett. “A line drive machine, gap to gap.”

Setting the table from the leadoff spot is junior Nick Holland, the rare catcher with enough speed to bat atop the order. Holland was a dangerous hitter last season, and has added some arm strength to help shut down opposing running games.

Senior Caiden Oliver, who also had several games where he strung together hits and who brings some speed to the base paths, will bat second and could be primed for a breakout season.

“He could really surprise a lot of people and have a phenomenal year,” predicts Fitchett. “He can bunt, hit for power, just a good mixture of everything you want offensively.”

Seniors Davan Norris, Kyle Perry and Logan Magro bring plenty of athleticism and experience to the field, and each will contribute offensively in a lineup with few holes.

If all goes well, a trip to state could be in the cards, but it won’t come easy.

“Grinding it out when situations get tough, and they usually do in Sandpoint,” says Oliver of the key to the season. “Control what we can control and grind it out.”