The Ballard Beavers faced an uphill battle last week as they attempted to win three games against quality opponents to keep their playoff hopes alive in the KingCo League.

The KingCo league leading Franklin Quakers (10-1), ranked number three in the state, went on the road against Ballard last Tuesday. Ballard came into the Quaker game with a 3-8, 5-12 overall record) and lost to Franklin 67-46.

For the second time this season, the Beaver went toe to toe with the Quakers, for a half with a two point lead. Franklin came out in the third quarter to put the Beavers away.

As the News-Tribune editorial deadline passed on February 9, Ballard had two games remaining against Garfield (8-3) on Friday at home and the Roosevelt Roughriders (4-7) on the road on February 14 to close out their season. The Roughriders lost to the Beavers early in the season.

As it stands, these teams would make the playoffs: Franklin and Inglemoor (10-1), Garfield (8-3) and Lake Washington (8-3), Woodinville (5-6), Bothell (4-7), Eastlake (4-7) and Redmond (4-7) round out the top eight.

Number nine and ten teams Roosevelt and Skyline are also 4-7 and could sneak into the playoff bracket depending on how their last three games go. Ballard in 11th place at 3-8 and can qualify if they win their last remaining games and the others ahead of them lose. Juanita is considered out of the running at 2-9.

Head Coach Billy Rodgers said before the Quaker game that his team needed to win all three of their last games to stay alive for the playoffs. "This could be a difficult week. We still have a chance," he said.

Ballard began the season under Rodgers and a new coaching staff with different a offensive and defensive system. The change gave the team renewed energy and enthusiasm as it prepared for another season in one of the top basketball leagues in the state.

Senior center Cody Gregersen had a breakout game in a 79-56 loss to Inglemoor on January 31. Gregersen scored 29 points. He is the team leader at 11.8 points a game and his rebounding and defense against other KingCo post players has been a key to the team.

It was Junior Nigel-Peter Denman's turn on February 3 when Ballard lost to Woodinville 53-47. Denman scored 24-points and Colin Belcher added 11.

Ballard held onto an eight-point lead against Woodinville. In the second half the Beavers went on a long scoring drought and got behind for good.

Ballard has beaten Lake Washington, Bothell, Lindberg, Liberty and Roosevelt so far this season.

"We've been really happy with the young kids we have, they are coming into their own," said Rodgers.

Denman has a bright future and will return next season. "He's the most improved player. He's an excellent player and really stepped it up. Denman is a great core piece to bring back," said Rodgers.

Two freshman Eric Taylor and Nick Palewicz have also shown promise. "Both should be factors next year. The young players had a great opportunity, they should come back better and stronger," said Rodgers.

"The coaching staff did a fantastic job," said Rodgers who was assisted by varsity and junior varsity coaches Davis Lura, Derek Fulwiler, Reggie Paul, Ron Newton and John Nygaard, Scout Steve Boyd and General Manager Ron Newton. That familiar voice working as an announcer at home games was Jim Vatn.

Next season the KingCo League will realign their two divisions. Skyline will drop out of 4A and go back to 3A.

Ballard will be joined by Bothell, Juanita, Woodinville, Roosevelt and Redmond. This gives Ballard more of a chance in division standings next year since neither of those other teams were in the top of KingCo record wise.

Rodgers considers this good news, since Ballard won't have to play city powers Franklin and Garfield twice.

Lake Washington, Eastlake, Franklin, Garfield and Inglemoor will be in the other division.