First-place Skyline was too much for the Ballard High School boys basketball team to handle, pulling away down the stretch for a 55-46 win Jan. 19.

The Beavers hung with Skyline in the first half but fell behind in the third quarter and couldn't recover.

Ballard coach Billy Rodgers said good defense and some big shots from Brad Baker helped the Beavers in the first half, but poor rebounding hurt the team later in the game.

Ballard gave up second-change baskets and struggled a bit on offense missing easy shots in the second half, Rodgers said.

"When you play a good team, you have to take advantage of your opportunities," he said. "We did not do that."

Ballard was led by seniors Kyler Korsmo and Gary Smith, who scored 12 and 10 points respectively.

The Beavers fell to 3-6 in KingCo and 4-9 overall.

Ballard has seven games remaining, and Rodgers said the first order of business is to get a win and go from there.

"I think this team has a playoff push left in us," he said. "I still like my kids. I think we are going to finish strong."

Ballard has a rematch with Inglemoor, who defeated the Beavers 55-54 Dec. 8, at 8 p.m. on Jan. 22 at Ballard High School.

Prior the the game, there will be a jersey retirement ceremony for George Irvine, Ballard High School class of 1966 alum.