Lexington Defender Rock-Solid in Bay State Games

The Bay State Games had its first day of soccer at Waltham High School on Thursday, with Team Metro defender Thomas Ballenthin showcasing his rock solid play in his first two games. 

Ballenthin, who is heading into his senior year at  helped his team en route to two wins yesterday, first a 4-2 victory over Northeast, followed by a 3-0 drubbing of Coastal.

For Ballenthin, the Bay State Games present a great opportunity to not only get in shape, but gain valuable experience playing alongside some of the best soccer players in the state.

"As a player, it's always great to go out and touch the ball, play with good players, try something new," he said. "When you have great players, it's just fun to play around them. It's fun to do special things with special players."

From the start of Metro's game against Coastal, Ballenthin was everywhere – setting up his teammates with deftly-placed through balls, rarely losing possession.

Metro had approximately a dozen shots on goal in the first 35 minutes, and heading into halftime had a one-goal advantage after Everett High's David Lima finally put one of his team's chances past the Coastal keeper.

Ballenthin started the second half after being substituted late in the first and didn't waste anytime getting in on the action.

Left all alone about 10 yards outside the box and facing the goalie straight on, Ballenthin ripped a shot with his left foot that caused Coastal's goalkeeper, Spencer Powell, to make a diving save to his left. The blast forced a rebound opportunity for teammate Donne Agogo from Chelsea High School in the process, but Powell saved that as well.

Ballenthin wasn't finished.

After Metro forward Felix DeBona kicked in a volley, putting his team up 2-0, Coastal decided to pack in its entire team, save for one forward to try and stop the bleeding. Ballenthin led the pressure surge that followed when minutes later he gathered the ball at the top of the box and rocketed a shot just over the goalie's fingertips but off the crossbar.

"The (Bay State Games) just started, but it feels great," he said. "It was something to do in the summer. It's started awesome and is just getting better and better."

On his team's third goal, Ballenthin dribbled into Coastal's box and calmly waited for a double team before making a beautiful back pass to Prospect Hill Academy's Xavier Orrellano. Orrellano then found Somerville's Kevin Montiel wide open in front of the net for the game's final score.

Ballenthin and Metro continue the tournament play with two games Friday. Metro takes on Central at 10:30 a.m. and West at 6 p.m.