LEGION BASEBALL PREVIEW: Former Lakers, Sherrill, Roop, leading 16U squad after team's year hiatus

SANDPOINT — Former Sandpoint High outfielder and left-handed pitcher Blake Sherrill and right-handed pitcher and infielder Zeke Roop, who both were also American Legion baseball players, are looking to lead the 16U North Idaho Lakers to a year of success after the team had to take a one-year hiatus last season due to a lack of players.

Sherrill will be the head coach of the Lakers this year. A 2022 Sandpoint graduate, he posted a .250 batting average during his senior season and went on to play briefly at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, Ore.

“I am super stoked to coach and come back to this amazing program that has given so much to me,” coach Sherrill said. “I’ve spent my whole life [playing] Sandpoint baseball and this is just my way to give back to the baseball community. I am very excited to see the direction Sandpoint baseball is going.”

His assistant coach this year is another familiar face, Zeke Roop. Roop, also a 2022 Sandpoint graduate, batted .375 during his senior season and racked up a countless amount of scoreless innings on the mound for the 19U Lakers last season.

Together, the two are looking to lead this squad to one of the best baseball seasons they have ever had. The majority of this year’s roster are players coming from Little League and other local teams, but some have played on competitive travel teams across the Northwest.

“I’m hoping to develop their skills, continue their love for the game, and to have them come back next year,” coach Sherrill said. “It's pretty early in the season, and after our first game, we saw a lot of positives and potential from the players. Most, if not all of the players, will be seeing time on the mound, in the lineup, as well as on the field. We are trying to develop everybody to make an impact on the game, and I want every kid to think they are a star on this team.”

The 16U Lakers will be able to show what they’re made of at the Premier Sports Invitational set to be held June 7-9 in Post Falls. Another fun trip the Lakers will embark on is one to Trail, British Columbia, for a doubleheader under the lights against the Trail Orioles American Legion baseball team. Sherrill said he also believes the team will make some noise at the Washington district and state tournaments.

“During my time in Legion, I developed skills and lifelong relationships with teammates, as well as coaches and parents,” coach Sherrill said. “Many people think it is just baseball, but it is much more. From the friendships being made, to being able to play a game we all love so very much. It’s an honor to be part of one of the oldest baseball leagues in America, Legion Baseball.”

Roster

Ty Schrock; Austyn Young; Jacob Alexander; Karsen Garvin; Trevor Skon; Brennen Wyman; Hayden Miller; Cody Gutierrez; Cy Marshall; Noah Benner; Weston Swen; Kieran Ryan; Kanin Nefzger.

Schedule

*indicates doubleheader

6/1 — L, Lewis & Clark, 19-11; L, Lewis & Clark, 24-14

6/7-9 — @ Premier Sports Invitational (Post Falls)

6/11 — vs. Prairie, 5:30 p.m.

6/18 — vs. Northern Lakes, 5:30 p.m.

6/21-23 — @ Post Falls Tournament

6/26 — @ Prairie, 5:30 p.m.

6/29 — @ Kettle Falls*, 1:00 p.m.

7/1 — vs. Medical Lake*, 6:00 p.m.

7/6 — @ Trail*, TBD

7/9 — vs. Kettle Falls*, 3:00 p.m.

7/12 — @ Northern Lakes

7/17-21 — Washington District Championships

7/27-31 — Washington State Championships