By Bucky Beaver
The Ballard High School boy’s lacrosse team, after winning their opening game in the state playoffs, traveled to eastern Washington on Saturday to play Wenatchee in a Sweet 16 matchup. Ballard got on the board early with a goal from Junior John DeGarmo and senior Josh Schwartzenberger added three more goals in the first half. Ballard, the visiting underdog, was tied with Wenatchee at 4 at the half.
Senior Jacob Marks, one of the top players in the state, scored to open the second half and Ballard never looked back. Schwartzenberger had 5 goals and 1 assist, Marks 2 goals and 4 assists, senior Thomas Christiansen added a goal as did junior Jackson Bowen, DeGarmo, and senior Kyle Garrity. Goalie Alex James had 6 saves on the day. Ballard won the contest 11-9 and have advanced the furthest they ever have in the playoffs. Four of the Ballard players (Marks, Schwartzenberger, Bowen, and DeGarmo) are in the top 10 in playoff scoring!
The boys are now in the state quarter finals and next play this Wednesday the 22nd at 7:00 pm at Stadium High School in Tacoma.
Pictured above: BHS senior Will Leanord. Photo courtesy Sam Hanske