Team is turning around

By Dean Wong

There was a time when other KingCo boys basketball teams routinely trounced the Ballard Beavers and treated them like little brothers who should have stayed home.

The little brother has grown up under second year head coach Billy Rodgers and the KingCo teams have taken notice.

Last Friday, Ballard rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Woodinville 39-32. The Friday before, Redmond learned their lesson as Ballard's Eric Taylor scored with only five seconds remaining in the game to beat the eastside team 47-46 in front of a loud group of Mustang fans who stood up in one section throughout the game, like fans in college.

Senior Nigel Peter-Denman led Ballard with 15 points, followed by freshman John Barnes with 12.

On January 27, the Beavers upset their city rival Roosevelt 51-46. "We handed Roosevelt their fist loss at their new gym," said Rodgers.

The Roughriders are in first place in the Mountain Division with a 8-3 record and avenged that loss on February 6 when they came to Ballard High.

For the season overall, Ballard's record is a big improvement from recent years at 6-9 overall.

In league play, the team is 5-8 and is battling Juanita for the last playoff spot in the Mountain Division. The top four teams in each division will advance to the playoffs. With the two big wins, Ballard has beaten both the number one and number two teams in their division.

The Beavers are trying to make the KingCo Tournament for the first time since joining the talented league in 2003.

Defensively Ballard has been the top team in the league all season. Opponents have averaged 49.1 points against the Beavers, making Ballard first in defense.

Peter-Denman has provided the scoring punch with a 16.5-point average through the first 15 games. He is eighth in scoring in KingCo.

Barnes, who has room to grow at 6'4" tall has been a surprise addition, making the transition from middle school basketball to the tough KingCo league look easy. He is scoring 7.5 points a game.

"He is one of the most talented kids I've coached. We ask Barnes to score, rebound and play the post. As a freshman he has risen to the challenge and his best basketball is ahead of him," said Rodgers.

In the past, games in February did not count for much, with Ballard out of the playoff chase.

"I told the kids I want games in February to mean something. It's nice that their game in February is improving," said Rodgers.

Before they played Redmond, Rodgers said his team needed to win three of its last games to ensure a playoff spot. With the Friday victory, that number is down to two.

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