Although the Ballard Beavers boy's basketball team gained the respect of the KingCo league this season, they were three points away from winning an overtime game and a playoff spot.

Despite senior Nigel Peter-Denman's career best 31 points; Eastlake prevailed during the extra period. The final score of 77 - 73 ended Ballard's year.

Going into their last two regular season games against defending state champion Franklin and Eastlake, the Beavers needed one win to advance to the KingCo Tournament.

A 76-42 loss to Franklin on Feb. 10 set up critical with Eastlake with a playoff position on the line.

The Beavers finished their season with a 5 and 10 regular season record. They were 8 and 12 overall, a big improvement from the past few seasons. They won three more games than last year.

"It was disappointing to get so close to the playoffs. We were one overtime win away," said Head Coach Billy Rodgers.

Ballard plays in the toughest basketball league in the state. They earned wins against KingCo opponents Woodinville (two wins), Juanita, Roosevelt. The Beavers have also beaten Rodgers, Cascade and Ingraham in non-league games.

A key to the Beavers success this season was their defense, which ranked number one in KingCo.

Peter Denman was the offensive leader with 16.7 points a game. He was followed by Barnes's 8.1 points, Davis with 6.7 points, Berhanu McKonnen with 4.6 and point guard Eric Taylor's 3.8.

Peter-Denman, Davis, Kevin Curry, Lars Kaldestad and Derek Mezich are graduating. Rodgers said some of his seniors have an opportunity to play in college.

Ballard will bring back four of their five starters next year. "I'm excited about the young kids coming back. We had a great year. We have a good foundation to keep growing and improving," said Rodgers.

Freshman center John Barnes will be a key to the team next year, now that he has played 15 games against KingCo teams.

Rodgers brought guard Ben Wilson up from the junior varsity team late in the year. Coaches will ask him to score more and play the point guard position in the future.

Coaches are also expecting good things from Taylor Rausch (junior next year) and Cameron Meratina who was injured this season.

"Both of those guys are young kids and we will ask a lot of them," said Rodgers.

Guard Eric Taylor is another key returner.

Players will hit the weight room to strengthen their bodies and do conditioning this spring.

In the summer, the team will play in local leagues all over the state to develop chemistry. In the fall, there will be more exhibition games and weights.

Rodgers says the players will also take time to heal and relax.

"Every good team has to have an off-season program with skill development," said Rodgers.

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