Beaver boys eager to earn respect

By Dean Wong

Fired up and ready to go is how Billy Rodgers describes his boys basketball team as they gear up for the 2006/2007 KingCo season.

Rodgers, the second year head coach, has been impressed with his team's attitude at practice as the display plenty of hustle and enthusiasm.

"This is one of the hardest working teams I've coached and the chemistry is good. We should be competitive in KingCo," said Rodgers.

Basketball practices are run with military precision. The time is blocked out in 10-minute sessions. Last week the team worked on their full court dribble. Then came full court lay-ins, shooting, free throws, offensive and defense zones, transition offense, screen and roll and other drills.

The team played 60 games at summer leagues, tournaments and basketball camps from June through August. Players have competed in spring and fall leagues as well to work on their skills and fundamentals.

"We have a year round program. This is big time high school basketball," said Rodgers.

The Beavers are seeking to improve its 3-11 league and 5-15 overall record from last year. Ballard beat Bothell, Juanita and Roosevelt in KingCo.

When they are not on the court, players are in the weight room and going through conditioning drills.

Rodgers said when practiced started last month, he hoped the kids would be in shape and they did not disappoint him.

This is the type of approach to the game needed to be successful in KingCo.

"The league is so good from year to year. It has the best players and coaches. It's hard to play games on the road," said Rodgers.

The Beavers will be lead by senior Nigel Peter-Denman, an Honorable Mention All-KingCo player last year.

"He will be relied on for scoring. He has stepped up and is looking for big things. He has an opportunity to play in college," said Rodgers.

Junior Riley Davis also has the attention of college scouts and will carry a portion of the scoring load for the team. "He was our most improved player this summer by leaps and bounds. He has a great attitude and is a consistent shooter and rebounder," said Rodgers.

There is a battle going on at point guard with sophomore Eric Taylor and Senior Derek Mezich competing for the starting role. One or the other will play at shooting guard.

Sophomore Berhanu Mekonnen, at six foot three inches is one of Ballard's better post players. Nick Palewicz, a six foot three inch sophomore and freshman John Barnes, who is one inch taller are the other inside players who can get out on the fast break.

"Our big guys love to run as well," said Rodgers.

Palewicz is expected to contribute big things said Rodgers. Mekonnen and Barnes improved during the summer and coaches feel their defense and rebounding will be key this season.

The team strength a year ago was a man-to-man defense that helped Ballard finish in the top five KingCo teams in that category.

Scoring on offense was a weakness and is an area coaches are addressing.

Rodgers and his coaching staff want to emphasize rebounding, which leads to a transition game.

"We want to maintain a good fast break, up tempo style and push the ball, look to get some easy baskets and run," said Rodgers.

Ballard takes on Juanita at home on Friday, Dec. 8 and host Redmond on Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Dean Wong may be reached at 783.1244 or dino@robinsonnews.com