DRIBBLE WORKOUT. Ballard sophomore Molly Magee works on her ball handling during a drill at practice. The Beaver guards are working on their dribbling skills, a weakness that was exposed in the KingCo playoffs last season. Dean Wong photo.
Defense, transition on menu
By Dean Wong
Last season the Ballard Beavers earned some respect in the KingCo playoffs and this year they hope to return to the post season and will rely on a very young team to get them there.
The 2005 team qualified for the post-season tournament and stayed alive for a three game run thanks to an impressive win over the Redmond Mustangs.
Charlotte Shannon and Gillian Huggins led the team with their post play a year ago and have now graduated, along with Kalie Sandstrom and Molly Horak.
Head Coach Karen Blair was in her first season at Ballard after compiling a stellar record that includes a 12-season 266-47 record, two state titles and numerous coach of the year honors at Meadowdale.
Under Blair's leadership, the Beavers made great strides since joining KingCo in 2003. The Beavers play in one of the state's toughest basketball leagues and they battled to 12-11 overall records and were 6 and 8 in KingCo.
Ballard returns only one senior, Leslie Ellingsen, a multi-sport athlete who is a top KingCo softball player.
Other key returnees include: guard Brianna Green, sophomore; point guard Kayla Williams, junior; and guard Molly McGee.
Without Shannon and Huggins, the Beavers will be missing two tall players who lead the team in scoring and rebounding.
Blair said her team must find ways to make up for the loss by playing a more aggressive defense and getting into a transition game.
"It's a measuring stick to see where they (Ballard players) are at," said Blair.
"If they can hang in there with them, they can hang in there with the better players in the league," said Blair.
Eastside schools Woodinville and Inglemoor are expected to be strong once again.
City rival Roosevelt is back with center MacKenzie Argens, who has signed with the University of Washington Huskies.
Ballard attended a jamboree at Garfield last week and found a new Bulldog team to content with. "They have a new look, are quick, scrappy and athletic," said Blair.
The KingCo schedule features quality opponents at each stop. "It's tough every night, just as it has been," said Blair.
