Ballard's Mitch Hipp goes up for a shot in the first quarter against Garfield. Hipp finished with eight points.
Big games from junior Salim Gloyd and senior Gary Smith, and contributions from four other players, allowed the Ballard High School boys basketball team to beat Garfield, the sixth-ranked team in the state, for its second win in a row Dec. 15.
The teams were knotted at 12 at the end of the first quarter. But, a well-played second quarter the Beavers a seven-point lead, which they were able to hang on to for the 60-57 victory.
Gloyd had a game-high 20 points, and Smith added 16. Smith is eighth in KingCo in scoring, averaging 14 points per game.
"What a night," coach Billy Rodgers said. "I was really proud of the kids and the effort. They did a super job of defending and following the game plan."
The Beavers are 2-2 overall.
"Two wins against two good teams," Rodgers said. "I think we have done a nice job of bouncing back from our game at Lake Washington."
The Ballard gym was packed and loud for the game, which Rodgers said helped the the team play better.
"Our fans were awesome," he said. "It was a great atmosphere, and the home court advantage really helped our kids."
Ballard ends the the week with a matchup against Woodinville at 8 p.m. on Dec. 18 at Woodinville.