Lakers open state tournament against Bucks
Kalispell making second state appearance in 3 years
Ryan Malmin was not punishing his team Thursday when he ordered an early morning workout session at Griffin Field.
He was just trying to acclimate his players to being on the field, and ready to play, at that time of the day.
The reason - the Kalispell Lakers open the AA American Legion baseball tournament today at 9:30 a.m. at Centene Stadium at Legion Park versus the defending champion Bozeman Bucks.
"We would much rather be playing in the afternoon, but that's how it goes," Malmin said.
The Lakers are riding a hot streak, having won six straight to end their season. That string also helped them earn a state berth.
"A lot of teams down 3-6 in the conference season would have folded," Malmin said.
"These guys didn't. They were willing to go to work every day and make themselves better."
As a result, the Lakers are making their second state appearance in the last three years. This is Malmin's third year as head coach.
"Ideally, what you want to do is set that expectation every year to qualify for the state tournament," Malmin said.
"We're not satisfied with getting there; that's not our intention."
The Lakers finished Western AA play 15-9. Overall, they are 33-23.
Bozeman finished second in Eastern AA at 17-7. Overall, the Bucks are 50-18. That's the best record in this year's state field.
The Missoula Maverick are next, 48-21, while the Billings Scarlets have the third best record, 46-13.
The Scarlets, however, are making their 35th straight appearance at state and have won nine titles. For Missoula, its 16 state trips in a row.
"We're definitely hitting our stride when we needed to," Malmin said.
"But that's pretty much what seven other teams are doing right now."
The Lakers have two players who have been three-year starters - Adam Olson and Tyler Reichhoff.
Pat Hergesheimer, Derek Keller, Brian Sneck and Greg Neils have all played two seasons.
Bozeman has six players in the lineup who are going on to play college baseball, according to Malmin.
"They finished third at regionals last year," he said of the Bucks.
"They only lost two kids off that team. They are coming back with a lot of experience."
The Lakers will be without two starters for their opener. Center fielder Jacob Scott is taking college entrance exams this weekend. Scott is the team's third leading hitter and fastest player.
First baseman Toby Liechti broke his thumb in practice Friday before the team left for Great Falls.
The Kalispell/Bozeman winner will play either the Great Falls Stallions or the Helena Senators Sunday at 4:30 p.m. The Kalispell/Bozeman loser is back in action Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
American Legion
AA State Tournament
At Great Falls
Centene Stadium
Today's Schedule
9:30 a.m. - Kalispell Lakers (15-9, 33-23) vs. Bozeman Bucks (17-7, 50-18)
12:30 p.m. - Missoula Mavericks (18-6, 48-21) vs. Billings Royals (14-8, 33-26)
4:30 p.m. - Great Falls Stallions (18-6, 38-24) vs. Helena Senators (14-10, 30-28)
7:30 p.m. - Great Falls Electrics (9-15, 21-40) vs. Billings Scarlets (19-3, 46-13)