RAPID CITY - Is this the year that the Rapid City Post 320 Stars American Legion baseball team is going to make some noise across the state?

I've seen the Stars play six games this spring - at least partial games four times - and as usual came away with some definite thoughts.

Hitting appears to be the team's strong point at this stage of the season.

Such players as infielder-pitcher Kyle Starkey, outfielder-pitcher Brad Winkelman and shortstop-pitcher Brandon Kiewel haven't missed a beat at the plate since the high school season ended.

Add second baseman Chris Lindemann, outfielder George Ceremuga, pitcher-catcher-infielder Jarrett Jensen, outfielder-pitcher Chris Kirkeby, catcher Levi Merchen and infielder-outfielder Zach Cimburek to the mix and coach Jim Brandt could have a potent batting order.

At this stage, Jensen, Starkey, Winkelman and Kiewel appear to have the starting pitching roles in tow, but more "arms" are needed. Jamie Lewis and August Farrugia could be the answer, with Kirkeby the designated closer.

The big question mark right now is defense, but this is something which can be corrected with work, work work. Brandt is still trying to establish a "set" lineup, but that's a problem when your pitchers are also position players.

Team chemistry is also an important factor, just as it is with every team.

There's no doubt that Brandt and his assistants are looking forward to the rest of the season.

On the move

The South Dakota State University baseball team, which won the season-ending Division I Independent tournament last month, is not waiting until next year to look for improvement.

Twelve Jackrabbits, including three from Rapid City, will be suiting up this summer in collegiate baseball leagues across the country.

Rapid City's Max Fenske (a red-shirt infielder) is playing for the Cheyenne Grizzlies in the Mountain Collegiate League, while pitcher Kirby Morsching is at Bellingham in the West Coast collegiate Baseball League and pitcher Kevin Morsching is playing for the Humboldt Crabs, an independent collegiate team.

In addition, three other Rapid Citians enrolled at SDSU - pitcher Mike Robinson, first baseman Blaine Linster and outfielder-pitcher Alex Niemann - are playing for the Rapid City Post 22 American Legion baseball team.

This and that

Winner's Sid Bice has signed a national letter of intent to wrestle at Augustana. … University of South Dakota signees to participate in the swimming and diving program include Newcastle's Hannah Roetzel and Upton's Bridger Miller. … Mark Gulseth has been named baseball coach at Northern State. … Pierre's Amanda Forest has signed to play tennis at the University of Sioux Falls. … Cory Smidt has been named head wrestling coach at Sioux Falls Lincoln. … Kent VanOvershield has been named head football coach at Mitchell. … Former Mitchell football coach Russ Bailey will takes over the reigns at Custer.

Contact Roger Toland at 394-8430 or roger.toland@rapidcityjournal.com