By Christopher Duclos

Last week's basketball action featured basketball double headers on the road on Wednesday, Jan. 9 and Friday, Jan. 11. Beaver basketball teams traveled to northeast Lake Washington to be hosted by Bothell then to their crosstown foe Roosevelt two days later.

Wednesday Jan. 9, at Bothell

Girls varsity tipped off first to start the action at Bothell. The Beavers set the tempo early, pulling away from the Bothell girls early. Although, Bothell remained formidable as they were hot in catch-up mode on the scoreboard. Final score 55-46, lady Beavers take care of business.

Nancy MacGeorge and Shelby Bailess led the girls in scoring: MacGeorge with 19 and Bailess with 15.

Boys varsity took the court following the girl’s victory. Going into this matchup, the Beavers knew that a victory wouldn’t come easy. Bothell is ranked number 1 in the state so far this season with an undefeated 13-0 record.

The ballgame remained close through the first half. Following the conclusion of the second quarter, Bothell held a slim 1 point lead. The Cougars came out swinging in the second half, breaking away by 7 points. Still, the Beavers didn't quit, keeping the score close in the 4th quarter. Persistence and endurance prevailed, however, and it was Bothell with the win. Ballard drops a tough one: 63-58, Bothell.

Strong performances all around with 4 different players scoring more than 10 points each. Seth Berger with 18, Ray Owens and Johnny Verduin with 11, and Stuart MacGeorge with 10.

Friday, Jan. 11 at Roosevelt

Much like Wednesday at Bothell, the lady beavers set the tone early, outscoring Roosevelt 17-6 in the first quarter. Roosevelt did not roll over as they narrowed the difference after the second quarter to 27-23, Ballard still up. The battle remained close but in the end it was Ballard taking advantage of Roosevelt's 4th quarter fatigue, ending the night with a win: 53-43, Beavers.

This evening’s action featured the efforts of Sam Hall and Beverly Verduin: Sam Hall netted 16 and Beverly 15.

Boys were up next against the crosstown foe. Ballard was hungry for a win after dropping the loss to Bothell. From the tipoff, Ballard and Roosevelt kept the score close with Ballard taking a narrow lead early. Defense was the name of the game, but the Roughriders were never able to catch-up. Final score, boys remain strong against the Roughriders: 45-40, Ballard.

The man of the match was Johnny Verduin, who seemed to carry the team on his back. He alone netted a total of 18 points on the road.

Catch more midseason basketball action. Next week schedule as follows:
Ballard Boys at Skyline, Monday, Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Ballard Boys and Girls double header hosting Issaquah, Friday, Jan. 18 at 8:00 p.m.

Follow Christoper Duclos on twitter: @thechrisduclos

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