LEGION BASEBALL PREVIEW: 19U North Idaho Lakers ready to recapture district title

SANDPOINT — The 19U North Idaho Lakers are back in action and return 11 experienced players to the diamond from last year’s roster — head coach Ken Oler is hopeful the District A Class A title returns to Sandpoint as well.

A coach for over 20 years, Oler says “what’s not to be excited about?” when referring to the season ahead. Mentoring and developing players, the thrill of competition, the ability to foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, building confidence on and off the field — that’s all second nature for him.

The majority of the players who return to the squad this year are guys that won back-to-back district championships (2021 and 2022) for the 16U Lakers and made runs at the Class A state tournament.

“My expectation is that they will come together, believe in one another and put in the work to get better throughout the course of the season,” Oler said. “As the general manager, I expect the same from our 16U players and coaches. They do that, and we’ve already won.”

Competition-wise, Oler says he expects this year’s to be strong. Coeur d’Alene was last year’s District A Class A title winner and Northern Lakes was runner-up … Oler said both of those team’s will be strong again. Moscow, who has also made trips to the state tournament in the past, returns to the mix this year. The Lakers defeated the Blue Devils in both games of a doubleheader pretty handily this past weekend.

As usual, the Lakers will also compete in their fair share of tournaments this year, including the Battle at the Beach Wood Bat Tournament which will be held at War Memorial Field on Father’s Day weekend. The Lakers will also head to the Big Bucks Tournament in Libby, which they won in 2018. Oler said the hosts of that tournament do a really great job creating a really fun experience for everyone. Players also tend to really enjoy competing in district and state championships at the end of the season, which differentiates legion ball from other travel programs.

This year’s team captains are Finn Mellander and Jacob Hansen. Some other players to watch out for are Mason Little, Jorden Tyler, Dallen Williams, Greysen Johnson, Sage Medeiros, Soren Caprio, Parker Reichart, Gavin Day, and Coleman Inge. All of the aforementioned saw time for the Sandpoint High varsity squad this past season.

“We have a really strong group of talented players this season,” Oler said. “Honestly, I expect them all to shine, to push each other and work together as one. The players who give 100 percent attitude and effort will naturally stand out throughout the course of the season.”

Legion baseball isn't just about baseball, however. Oler said recently playing on War Memorial Field on Memorial Day weekend was special, one of the many special things about legion.

“The American Legion itself is a patriotic organization of U.S. War Veterans,” Oler said. “In my opinion, there can be no finer calling than serving one’s country, and by our team wearing the uniform, we honor those who have done so.”

The North Idaho Lakers (2-0) travel to Coeur d'Alene today to take on the Lumbermen.

2023 record: 14-12; third in District A Class A

Roster

* indicates dual-rostered with 16U squad

Soren Caprio 3B/OF; Greysen Johnson OF/3B; Jorden Tyler 3B/RHP; Zach Leverich OF; Parker Reichart 2B/RHP; Gavin Day; Coleman Inge C; Dallen Williams OF/RHP; Jacob Hansen UTIL/LHP; Alex Leverich RHP; Finn Mellander INF; Mason Little 2B/SS/RHP; Sage Medeiros OF/RHP; *Hayden Miller, OF/C; *Kieran Ryan, OF

2024 Schedule 

* indicates doubleheader

5/25 — W, Moscow, 24-1; W, Moscow, 14-3

5/29 — @ CDA Lumbermen, 5:30

6/11 — @ Lewis-Clark, 1:00*

6/12 — vs. CDA Lumbermen, 5:30

6/14-16 — Battle at the Beach Wood Bat Tournament (Sandpoint)

6/18 — vs. Prairie, 5:30*

6/20-23 — @ Big Bucks Tournament (Libby)

6/26 — vs. Northern Lakes, 5:00*

7/4-7 — @ July 4th Wood Bat Classic Tournament (Spokane-CDA)

7/12 — vs. Orofino, 1:00*

7/13 — vs. Grangeville, 4:00*

7/17-21 — Idaho District A Class A Playoffs (Moscow)

7/25-28 — 19U State A Tournament (Lewiston)