The Ballard High School boys basketball team will be playing the rest of the season without senior John Barnes, who left the team to focus on academics.

Barnes was an All-KingCo honorable mention last season and played in the KingCo All Star game.

He was the Beavers second leading scorer last year, averaging 10. 6 points per game. He was also sixth in KingCo in total blocks and 11th in rebounds per game.

Before the first game of the season, coach Billy Rodgers said Barnes success would be a key to Ballard's season.

"Not having him is a huge loss for our team," Rodgers said. "We will ask all of our players to help us, but no one can make up the void left by John’s departure."

Rodgers said he hopes this time off from basketball will give Barnes the time he needs to do well in the classroom.

Barnes scored 10 points in his only game this season.

The Beavers face Garfield at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Ballard High School.