The Ballard women's basketball team faced a stiff challenge Saturday afternoon at the Ballard Classic, hosting Class 1A No. 3 Newell-Fonda in the Hangar.  The Mustangs used balanced scoring and defensive pressure to pull away for a 55–42 win over the Bombers.

Ballard stayed competitive early, trailing just 14–12 after the first quarter.  Newell-Fonda created separation in the second period, outscoring the Bombers 20–7 to take a 34–19 lead into halftime.  Ballard continued to battle in the second half, matching Newell-Fonda's physicality and effort, but was unable to overcome the deficit against one of the top teams in the state.

Sophomore Maci Harder led Ballard offensively with 14 points, shooting 6-of-12 from the field and adding four rebounds.  Freshman Grace Polewik provided a spark off the bench with 10 points, while sophomore Kaylor Johnson chipped in five points and a team-high two blocks.  Olivia Wacha added a three-pointer and five rebounds, and Brooklyn Shoen contributed inside with four rebounds and two blocks.

Defensively, Ballard held Newell-Fonda to just seven points in the fourth quarter and forced the Mustangs to work for scoring opportunities throughout the game.  The Bombers finished with 38 total rebounds and seven steals, showing continued growth and effort against elite competition.

Ballard moves to 2–9 overall and 2–5 in conference play. The Bombers return to action on Tuesday, January 13, when they host Winterset in the Hangar, with varsity tip scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Photo Credit: Kevin Rowedder