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EASTERN IDAHO — A pair of local state mainstays are joined this year by a new Pocatello-based contender among the field of 10 baseball teams competing this week for the American Legion AA state championship.
The tournament, Idaho’s premier summer travel ball competition, will be held this season in Lewiston.
The Post 4 Runnin’ Rebels and Idaho Falls Bandits are fixtures at the event, combining to win the last four titles. They will be joined this season by Idaho Prime, a club competing in Legion for the first time.
Here is what you need to know about the local squads heading into the tournament.
Idaho Falls Bandits
The Bandits (31-6) are defending state champions and looking to make a return trip to the American Legion World Series and a shot at a third championship.
The Bandits won their first World Series title in 2019. After the 2020 season was suspended due to COVID, the Bandits returned to the World Series and repeated as champion in 2021.
They advanced to the 2022 championship game, but fell to Troy, Alabama.
This year’s team may have more pitching depth, coach Ryan Alexander said, and the core lineup is loaded with experience.
Post 4 Runnin’ Rebels
The Runnin’ Rebels (17-18-1) last won the event in 2024, as part of a run that featured back-to-back titles and three state crowns in five years — with other wins coming in 2020 and 2023.
Post 4 will open its tournament Thursday as the home team facing the Coeur d’Alene Lumbermen at the Church Field. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
Idaho Prime
The Prime (20-9), which is tied to Highland High School and led by the Highland coaching staff, has been in existence for over a decade but, according to head coach Christian Colonel, is competing with Legion for the first time this year.
They will open their tourney run at Harris Field Thursday, against the Lewis Clark Twins, with first pitch set for 6:30 p.m.
AMERICAN LEGION AA STATE TOURNAMENT
At Harris Field and Church Field, Lewiston
Thursday’s Games
Game A — Nampa Chiefs (19-16) vs. Minico Storm (9-17) at Harris Field, 9 a.m.
Game B — Coeur d’Alene (12-14) vs. Pocatello Runnin’ Rebels (17-18-1) at Church Field, noon
Game 1 — Twin Falls Cowboys (16-15) vs. Prairie Cardinals (16-13-1) at Church Field, 9 a.m.
Game 2 — Middleton Vikes (12-14) vs. Winner Game B at Church Field, 3 p.m.
Game 3 — Idaho Falls Bandits (31-6) vs. Winner Game A at Harris Field, noon.
Game 4 — Idaho Prime (20-9) vs. Lewis-Clark Twins (21-11) at Harris Field, 6:30 p.m.
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