Will Leonard sink an up and under jumper against Inglemoor

By Christopher Duclos

The week of Jan. 21 brought a frenzy of basketball action as high school teams geared up for what could be their final games of the season. To Ballard High varsity squads, the week was not easy, with both teams playing three total games. It was a test of endurance, especially with back to back evening games for both squads at the end of the week.

Tuesday, Jan. 22, Boys at Inglemoor

The boys brought their A-game to Kenmore on Tuesday night to take on the Inglemoor Vikings. A former basketball force to be reckoned with, Ballard had no trouble taking care of this particular Vikings team. Offense and defense, Ballard had complete control of all phases, outscoring Inglemoor by double digits in three out of the four quarters of the game. Inglemoor could not contain the Verduin-Berger duo, who each mustered double digits. Seth Berger led the evening in scoring with 20 and Johnny Verduin with 10.

Scoring summary – Seth Berger 20 points & 14 boards, Johnny Verduin 10 & 7, Nick Brown 9, Chase Deger 8, Ray Owens 6 & 5 assists, Nate Rauda 4, Will Leonard 2, Asher Clasen 2, Stuart MacGeorge 2, Kemal Deger 1, Carl Pearson 1.

Wednesday, Jan. 23, Girls host Inglemoor at BHS

Wednesday’s action featured the Lady Vikings of Inglemoor taking on the Lady beavers of Ballard. Ballard girls expected a fight against the Vikings as Inglemoor girls have been playing very well this season, ranking No. 8 in state.

Ballard took control in the first half, outscoring Inglemoor 25-21. However, the second half action was a whole different story. Though Ballard's Imani Bender frustrated the big girls for Inglemoor with a solid defense, Inglemoor eventually picked up the momentum and passed Ballard’s lead. Final Score: 57-50.

Scoring summary – Beverly Verduin 23 points, Nancy MacGeorge 11, Shelby Bailess 9, Imani Bender 3, Sam Hall 2, Riley Soukup 2.

Friday, Jan. 25, double header at Garfield

Ballard varsity teams loaded the bus and traveled to visit their cross-town rival Garfield on Friday night. It was a big night for both BHS squads: The lady beavers were looking to right the wrongs that caused them to get passed by Inglemoor while the boys were looking to finally take down powerhouse Garfield.

The girls tipped off first. The first quarter was a low scoring affair with a first period score of 6-2. The Garfield ladies had their efforts based solely upon containing guard Beverly Verduin. To Ballard’s advantage, this allowed for the rest of the team to step up. After the first quarter, the lady beavers kicked it into high gear. Garfield had no chance with the final score of 61-40, Ballard.

Scoring summary - Riley Soukup 14 points, Nancy MacGeorge 13, Beverly Verduin 8, Shelby Bailess 8, Sam Hall 6, Madison Asher 5, Imani Bender 5, Tessa Sechler 2.

Watch: Madison Asher denying Garfield shooter -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_za00DHLR3k&feature=youtu.be

The Garfield gym packed itself in a matter of minutes as the boys took the court to warm-up. Throughout the game, Ballard played with fire and confidence. In the first three quarters of regulation, the Boys kept pace with Garfield by keeping the score line within reach. However, endurance prevailed, and in the 4th quarter Garfield pulled away from Ballard. Final score: 61-50 Bulldogs.

Scoring summary – Seth Berger 13 points & 6 boards, Johnny Verduin 12 & 7 boards, Nick Brown 10, Nate Rauda 6, Ray Owens 6 & 5 assists, Stuart MacGeorge 3.

Saturday, Jan. 26, Red-out double header vs. Newport

It was another double header for the BHS boys/girls squads. This time it was not in a hostile away gym but rather within the comforts of BHS, the Beaver dam.

Still, back-to-back Friday/Saturday double headers proved to be a test of endurance for the BHS athletes, and Newport wanted to take advantage of it.

Girls started off the evening looking to keep momentum from last night’s victory against Garfield. But Newport was not about to let that happen. The lady beavers trailed early, getting outscored by the Knights 19-8 in the first half. The hopes of mounting a comeback at that point were long gone as the Beavers were only able to barely keep pace with Newport. Final score: 45-31, Knights.

Scoring summary – Nancy MacGeorge 11 points, Imani Bender 10, Shelby Bailess 4, Tessa Sechler 4, Beverly Veduin 2.

After seeing the girls’ defeat to the Knights, the Boys got their opportunity to strike back against Newport. Confidence and energy abounded. The boys were not about to suffer a loss again after the heartbreaker the night before at Garfield. After the first half it was all Ballard, outscoring the Newport boys 40-23. Newport was unable to keep pace with the Beavers from then on. Final score: Ballard wins big, 72-55.

Scoring summary – Ray Owens 19 points, Seth Berger 15, Johnny Verduin 14, Stuart MacGeorge 9, Nate Rauda 6, Nick Brown 6, Kemal Deger 3.

Both teams have two regular season games remaining on the schedule.
Tuesday, Jan. 29 – Ballard boys host Redmond at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 30 – Ballard girls host Redmond at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 1 – Ballard hosts double header against Roosevelt. Girls at 5:30 p.m; Boys at 7:00 p.m.

Follow Christopher Duclos on twitter: @thechrisduclos

Notes:

• Ray Owens showed up big for the Beavers against Newport, netting 19 points, 4 assists and 3 steals. He exited the gym at the conclusion of the game to a standing ovation from the Ballard faithful. This was the first time during the course of the regular season a BHS player not named Seth Berger or Johnny Verduin led the evening in scoring.
• Upon the conclusion of the thrashing of Newport, Ballard clinched its 5th straight consecutive post-season berth.

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