For the first time since 2002, the Ballard boys basketball team is headed to the State championships.

Ballard played their second playoff game against Newport on Friday evening and put on an exciting show.
The Beavers started without their second lead scorer, Seth Berger, who was out due to a sprained ankle he suffered in the previous game.

The Beavers came out a little sluggish and Newport gained a nine-point lead in the first quarter. By halftime, Ballard was still down by nine.

Ballard came out much stronger for the second half, closing Newport's lead to only two points.

The anticipation was high in the last quarter as the Beavers evened the score and both teams battled to get shots through the hoop before the clock ran out. The game was decided in the final minutes as Ballard gained the lead on Newport. Senior Nick Onstad-Hawes made two clutch free throws to secure the win at the end, winning the game 46 to 50.

Senior Salim Gloyd scored 15 points and had 14 rebounds.  Junior Brad Baker added 11 points and 4 assists.  Senior Nick Onstad-Hawes had one of his best games of the season scoring 9 points.
 
Ballard will play for the Kingco championship on Friday, Feb 18, at 8:15 at Juanita High School against number one ranked Garfield Bulldogs. 

Win or lose Ballard advances to State which will be held at either Juanita or Puyallup High School on Friday, Feb 25.