As the Beavers boys basketball team prepares for their State playoffs game on Friday, they received other celebratory news.

Coach William "Billy" Rodgers has been named Coach of the Year.

Rodgers was nominated by his fellow Kingco Conference coaches for his successful season and helping his team make it to the State playoffs for the first time since 2002.  

"It is a very nice honor that I share with my coaching staff Sam Colter, Marques Chinn, and John Nygaard and my players," Rodgers said.

"I think the strength of our team this season has been the togetherness and unselfishness that we have played with.  I am really proud of all of my coaches and players and thank them for their hard work."

The Beavers play Gig Harbor for their State playoffs game at 6 p.m. at Puyallup High School.

Rodgers said he's grateful for the support his team has received from Ballard High students, faculty, administration and alumni.

"Beaver Nation has shown us great support and our players want to represent them to the best of our ability," he said.

Coach Rodgers joins players Salim Gloyd, Brad Baker, Seth Berger, Nick Onstad-HawesPost who were honored for their performances.