North Stars brace for a new season

As a new season on the diamond approaches, the Havre North Stars American Legion baseball team is hoping quality overrules quantity this summer. After going 13-15 in district play a season ago, including a 1-2 mark in the district tournament last July in Havre, the North Stars are back for a brand new season. And while they are somewhat low on numbers for 2010, they certainly don't lack talent, even with key losses from a strong lineup last season. And while the North Stars will play their season-opening games on Sunday in Lewistown, veteran head coach Steve Fanning is looking at his team as a good mix of talented and experienced veterans, as well as some exciting newcomers. "Some of the players making up the core of the North Stars' squad from last season are returning to make up a solid nucleus for the 2010 team," Fanning said. "Our pitching staff should definitely be our strong point. We do have some great offensive weapons, but we need more consistency 1-9 to have a successful campaign. We are looking to have some players step up and fill in the offensive production that we lost from graduating seniors. Our coaches are looking forward to the 2010 baseball season and the new crop of players we have on our club. Each year we need these younger kids to make the jump to legion and add depth and more talent to this team." Back for the North Stars this season are some of their top pitchers from a year ago, led by Kyle Miller, Roman Surber, Brandon Smith and Justin Jensen. Those four will likely form Havre's starting rotation this season, while Gareth Bernard and newcomer Mark Vukasin will also see pitching duties as well. Miller will be called upon to do a lot for the North Stars this year. When it's not his turn in the rotation, he'll lead the Havre defense from his shortstop position, and will be looked at as one of the top hitters in the Northern District as well. "Defense is also another area for the team that should be solid," Fanning said. "We return a very solid infield led by Kyle Miller. Kyle is one of the top shortstops in the state and we will look to him to lead us out on the field defensively, as well as with his bat." Catcher will also be a key for the North Stars. Both C.J. Evans and Justin Jensen could see time behind the plate, while Smith and Jensen will also be key players in the field. Players challenging for a spot on the infield will be returners Justin Denny, Bernard, and Jon Currie. Newcomers like Vukasin, Kolby Sukut, and Spencer Morkrid will also be working to gain a spot in the infield. The Havre outfield will be led by Smith, Brayden Grimson, and Surber. Evans, among others will also be challenging for an outfield spot as well. "With some of the losses from last season there are definitely some question marks at some key positions such as catcher and the corner infield positions," Fanning said. "We'll see who will step up and earn those positions. Offensively we are looking for a lot more improvement this year as a team." While pitching and defense will be Havre's strong points this season, just as they were a year ago, the North Stars will look to be more consistent on offense. At times last year, the North Star bats went silent at inopportune times, while at others, Havre was an explosive team. With such tough pitching in the Northern District, Havre will hope to be a more consistent offensive team from game to game. Once again, the Northern District will likely be very tough, and Havre's schedule also boasts many tough nonconference games and tournaments. The North Stars' home opener is set for April 25 against the Class AA newly formed Great Falls Chargers. The North Stars will also host their own nonconference tournament June 10-13 and they go to nonconference tournaments in Three Forks and Glendive, both of which should give them ample games against Class A opponents. All of Havre's tough league, and nonleague games will prepare the North Stars for the Northern District Tournament which is slated for July 22-25 in Fort MacLeod, Alberta. The Class A state tournament is scheduled for July 29-Aug. 2 in Billings, and that's the ultimate goal for the North Stars this season. "The Northern District will continue to be filled with challenging opponents so we look to have another competitive year," Fanning said. "With our goal always being to gain a spot at the state tournament." Havre's season-opener at Lewistown is slated for Sunday. The North Stars will play a double header against the Redbirds starting at 1 p.m.