The Ballard High School boys basketball team opened the 2009-2010 season Dec. 8 with a heartbreaking 55-54 loss to conference opponent Inglemoor.

The Beavers held a 25-17 halftime lead but was outscored 22-13 in the third quarter.

Coach Billy Rodgers said poor defense and free throw shooting, as well as late-game turnovers, contributed to the loss.

"I was impressed with a lot of areas," Rodgers said. "I do think we had some opportunities to win that game."

He said he was pleased with the play of junior Salim Gloyd and seniors John Barnes and Gary Smith.

Gloyd finished the game with 22 points. Smith added 18, and Barnes chipped in 10.

Senior Kyler Korsmo was the only other Beaver to score, finishing with 4 points.

"I am not too concerned about only four guys scoring," Rodgers said. "I think we will have a pretty diverse group of scorers throughout the season."

Ballard takes on Lake Washington at 8 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Lake Washington High School.