Dean Wong

After years of losing seasons, the Ballard High School girls are looking to improve under the leadership of new coach Karen Blair.

The former Meadowdale High coach brings a long resume to the Ballard program. She took her team to two state titles and an impressive 255 and 39 record.

Players expressed excitement about the team's possibilities last week after winning three straight non-league games over Sammamish, Ingraham and Eastside Catholic.

"It's fun to see a new approach and have such a well known and winning coach, there's a lot of structure and individual teaching to bring out the best in everyone's game," said senior co-captain Charlotte Shannon.

"We are working hard and improving. We put in a pressure defense, will run the floor, control the ball, execute and work together as a team," said Blair.

The varsity roster has 12 girls and Blair plans to use them all in the rotation. "We will play both ends of the floor with lots of energy. We will interchange the pieces and not have a drop off in play," Blair said.

While the three exhibition wins are a positive, the tough KingCo schedule awaits with defending champion Garfield and other powerhouses like Redmond, Inglemoor and Woodinville to test the Beavers and their new coach.

"We take each game one game at a time. We continue to work hard. We set goals, achieve them, then evaluate, build from there and not focus on wins and losses. We focus on the little things to be successful," said Blair.

Players have noticed the change in coaching styles between Blair and former coach Erin Bailey who was dismissed.

"She's tough, she pushes us in a good way. We have definitely improved since she took over. We will do well. I am looking forward to the season," said Gillian Huggins, a senior co-captain.

Huggins is a forward and coaches have worked with her on post play in training camp. "Me being stronger with rebounds and playing a different post defense has helped me defensively," she said.

Forward Kalie Sandstrom says the coaching change has been an adjustment, but the players are taking on the challenge.

"The chemistry will be better. We will play together better as a team," said Sandstrom.

This new Beaver team will play intense defense the entire 32-minutes of each game.

"The girls are learning and preparing as best they can for conference play. We can't afford mental let downs. We need to execute the offense and get the kids the ball on the floor," said Blair.

"If we keep working hard, do the little things right, people will be surprised," said Shannon.

The assistant coaches are Bryan Howisey, Jessica Howisey, Kirstin Diercks, Clair Zovko and Amber Hering. Hering was a star player for Ballard and graduated last season.

The Beavers junior varsity started their season 3 and 0. A new c-team for freshman started 3-1.

Ballard plays its second game of the regular season on Jan. 4 at Franklin, 7:30 p.m.