Dean Wong

There's a sense of urgency over at the Ballard Beavers boy's basketball practices as a new coaching staff takes over and players respond with renewed energy.

Former Ballard player Billy Rodgers returns to his alma mater as the head coach, 13 years after he graduated and hung up his sneakers.

"It's great to be back," said Rodgers who has coached at North Seattle Community College and University Prep.

Senior Collin Belcher likes what he sees so far in training camp. "I enjoy Billy a lot. He's good for the program. We're playing well and are coming together as a team," he said.

Ballard was a disappointing 1 and 13 in KingCo and 6 and 15 overall in 2004/2005.

For 2005/2006 Ballard has the building blocks to begin climbing up the KingCo standings.

"We have some great chemistry. The kids get along, have a good work ethic and attitude. We're optimistic," said Rodgers.

The team will have some height this year with senior 6'7" center Cody Gregersen and sophomore David Gebru standing at 6'8" tall.

"Cody has gotten much better. We are doing individual work with him, post moves, free-throws and jump shots. He will be a main force and has to have a great year," said Rodgers.

Gregersen will be counted on to play 20 to 30 minutes a game and to stay out of foul trouble. He will anchor the middle and should increase his 4.8 point average with more opportunities. When the inside players don't have a shot, they will kick the ball out to the shooters.

Senior Cameron Wells also adds to Ballard's inside game. He is very athletic, having been a star on the football team and is 6'5".

At point guard, junior Terrance Garcia is a good defender who can create situations when handling the ball. "He has great energy," said Rodgers.

Another senior, Collin Belcher provides veteran leadership at guard. He averaged 10.8 points a game last year.

Mace Rakestraw will be counted on in the backcourt and is another solid defensive player. He did not play last season due to a broken leg.

"There is a lot more chemistry. The team looks forward to practice. It all depends on how much we work," said Rakestraw.

"We have good senior leadership. There is no superstar, we'll get contributions from ten or eleven players. A freshman (Eric Taylor, 5'11") even made the team," said Rodgers.

"On offense, we have to get up and down the floor and have good inside play, in and out of the post," said Rodgers.

When the Beavers are not running the floor, they will have to execute their half court offense. "If we execute, we will be successful," said Rodgers.

"We hope to play an exciting brand of basketball, focusing on hard work and unselfish team play. We want to compete hard every night and make sure we are prepared," said Rodgers.

"It's going to be good. We have the potential. If everyone's on the same page, we can go places," said Wells.

Junior Nigel Peter-Denman transferred to Ballard from Seattle Prep.

"It's been hard. It has been worth it. As a team we are closer knit. It seems like everyone gets involved. We hope to bring back basketball to Ballard," said Peter-Denman.

Rodgers says his varsity team is an outstanding group to coach. "If we maximize our potential, we should have a good season," said Rodgers.

Rakestraw sees good things for the Beavers if they put the effort into it. "We can be one of the top KingCo teams. It's all a matter of how we practice. The most important thing is how we push each other," he said.

"It is special to get to come back and lead a basketball program with a great tradition. Ballard is a special place and has the support that is rare in today's public schools. I know we have the support of the school and community. I am looking forward to the season," said Rodgers.

The assistant coaches are Derek Fulwiler, Ron Newton and Reggie Paul.