Battle Ground Boys: Tough non-league schedule sets tone

By Meg Wochnick, Columbian staff writer

Published: December 18, 2019, 8:05pm

Brendan Beall helped Battle Ground reach the state tournament for the first time since 2002. (Ken Nowaczyk/for The Columbian)

On the surface, six homes games pinned against 14 road or neutral contests isn’t ideal.

But the Tigers’ feel a tough schedule of games — including two showcase events against top-tier teams — can only be beneficial toward another playoff push.

Last season marked Battle Ground’s first 4A state appearance in 18 seasons. The Tigers hope to be the first to reach state in back-to-back seasons since 1991-’92

And the Tigers hope December opponents make a difference come late February. BG already took down Crater (Ore.) at the Moda Center’s Border Battle on Dec. 7. Up next is the prestigious Les Schwab Invitational later this month. It’s the second straight year a 4A Greater St. Helens League team is in the tournament.

“I’m a huge believer in that,” said senior guard Brendan Beall said of the benefits of a tough schedule. “Looking back at previous parts of our season, it gives us more experience on what to expect and how to prepare for traveling. That really helps us and playing in a playoff-type of stage helps us.”

The Tigers have a wealth of experience in the frontcourt and backcourt behind Beall, junior guard Nate Millspaugh and 6-foot-9 forward Kaden Perry, a Gonzaga commit. That trio was instrumental getting the Tigers to state by winning a number of loser-out bi-district contests after placing third in league.

That has Battle Ground’s confidence high, Beall said, for another state berth.

“Knowing a team from Battle Ground can do it,” he said, “that breakthrough is big for us.”

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