With the talent level more even in KingCo this season, the Ballard Beavers hope to make the playoffs for a third consecutive year and possibly make a run to state.

The Beavers played their first non-league game last Wednesday, beating Mount Rainier 72-36 with five players scoring in double figures. The victory may be a sign of good things to come for Ballard.

"KingCo is wide open this year," said head coach Karen Blair. While the team has added some new players, one is standing head and shoulders above the others.

Jeanette Hansen, a senior exchange student from Denmark is six feet five inches tall and gives the Beavers a true center.

"It's nice to have some height. She has an understanding of the European game so she is a great passer and finesse type player. We're trying to get her stronger to understand the physicalness of the game here in America," said Blair.

Hansen has been lifting weights for the first time and has been getting to know her teammates.

"She is athletic with quick feet and is very coachable. She is excited to learn and is a good teammate," said Blair.

Coaches will not be adjusting the offense to accommodate their new center.

The strength of the team is on the perimeter and players will have to learn to find Hansen when she is open in the post.

"As the season goes along, they will start clicking a little better and get her the ball more effectively," said Blair.

Back for her senior season is KingCo All-League second team guard Kayla Williams.

During the off-season, she worked with Ballard legend and former University of Washington star Michael Johnson in addition to playing with top select team.

"She is more athletic and her quickness has improved. She has committed to the weight room to get stronger. She has basketball in her blood," said Blair.

Seniors Evangeline Spracklin, Anika Jakobsen, Molly Magee and Yordanos Kasahun will play key roles for Ballard. The sophomores Alexandria Lawrence, Brianna Green and Madeleine Maguire will join freshmen Theresa Moriarty and Elena DeWeese.

Blair is now in her third season at Ballard, after winning two state titles at Meadowdale.

"We made it to the playoffs the first year, last year we won a playoff game. Now we set the bar a little higher. Ultimately we want to make it to state," said Blair.

"We have an opportunity if we stay healthy and stay committed to being a team and if everyone understands their role. If we do that we can be pretty successful," said Blair.

Although no KingCo teams are listed in the Seattle Times top ten 4A preseason rankings, Ballard is listed as one of the best teams in the state, along with their league opponents Bothell, Garfield, Franklin, Eastlake, Inglemoor and Roosevelt.

Ballard takes on Woodinville on Dec. 5 at home. During the Christmas break, the team will be treated to a trip to San Diego and the Surf 'N Slam tournament.

The assistant coaches are Bryan Howisey, Jessica Howisey, Ryan Weems and Kristina Netzler.

Dean Wong may be reached at 783.1244 or deanw@robinsonnews.com