Beaver girls are champs

By Dean Wong

With a state playoff berth out of the way, the Ballard Beavers won an overtime game against Inglemoor to earn the Sea-King District Two Championship last Friday.

The Beavers defeated the Vikings 49-41 in overtime at Juanita High School to earn their first 4A girls basketball title.

"I'm excited. To have our first ever district championship for Ballard High School is an awesome thing for them to achieve. They worked hard all season and put in a lot of hard work in the weight room and it really paid off," said head coach Karen Blair.

Inglemoor gave Ballard a hard time with its scrappy defense, causing many Beaver turnovers. The Beavers did not back down from the challenge.

Danish import Jeannette Hansen was key to the win in overtime with two baskets. "It was a great battle back and forth. We kept our composure and did the little things down the stretch to get the win," said Blair.

The Ballard Beavers qualified for the state tournament after defeating Eastlake 56 to 48 on Feb. 16.

"The playoffs are a whole different thing. It's a new ball game. We are in a position to be expected to win," said Blair. She was referring to Ballard's record breaking 13-2 regular season that opened more than a few eyes in KingCo.

This year's team is doing finally embracing Blair's coaching philosophies. "We are listening to our coach and doing what she is telling us to do. She is telling us to play good basketball. She is a very smart coach," said senior All-KingCo guard Kayla Williams.

Guard Brianna Green harassed the opposing guards in the two playoff games, as she has done all year. "She is our hustling defensive stopper. She tries to make key plays for us," said Blair.

Ballard has benefited from the addition of exchange student Hanson and her six feet five inches of height.

Hanson has found the American game more physical and faster. She said although basketball is popular in Europe, people in Denmark don't care about the game.

"It's a lot of competition. It's different from what I'm used to. It's been a tough season, but fun," said Hanson.

In order to make the state finals at the Tacoma Dome, Ballard has to keep playing well.

"We need to do the little things, blocking out, rebounding and hustling on defense. I'm glad I'm a part of it. If we do all the little things, we can do it," said Evangeline Spracklin.

Call the school at 252-1000 for the state playoff schedule. The playoff bracket was determined on Sunday, after the News-Tribune went to press. Games could begin as early as Wednesday, Feb. 27.

Dean Wong may be reached at 783.1244 or deanw@robinsonnews.com