Though the games were non-league and they didn't count toward playoff chances, the Ballard High basketball boys demonstrated that they still meant business in the Les Schwab Holiday Classic tournament, clinching all three wins and the tournament championship.

By winning 3-0 in the tournament, the team brought their record up to 6-4 from 3-4. However, they are still 2-3 in conference standing -- albeit their losses were against some of the state's top teams, and each loss was a close fight.

In the first round, Ballard trounced Christian Cascade in a 69-46 win. Senior Seth Berger led in scoring with 21 points, followed by Stuart MacGeorge with 12. Meanwhile, Senior Johnny Verduin was a rebound machine, gaining a total of 8.

Lindbergh fared little better against Ballard, as the Beavers came out on top 74-62. Verduin took the lead in scoring this time, scoring 26 points. Berger assisted with rebounds, getting a total of 9.

Finally, in the Holiday Classic championship bout Ballard overcame Kennedy Lancers, which came in with a strong 7-2 standing. Ballard won 53-38, with Verduin once again leading points with 14, followed by Raymond Owens with 13.

Verduin was named tournament MVP, and both Berger and Verduin were named to the All Tournament team.

Kurt Howard made it to the Lindbergh game and shared his photos with us. Either click on the main picture above or the thumbnails below to view his pictures.

On Wednesday, Jan. 2, in a non-league game, Ballard will be hosting the Australian National team, who are 1-12. On Friday night, Ballard will finally be playing in a league game again, against Skyline High School at 8 p.m.

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