Sam began his 20 year secondary coaching career at Judson High school in 1978 and was head coach at Camelback and Mountain Pointe High schools for a total of 17 years before moving to the community college ranks. Coach Ballard's head coaching record included 339 wins and a 65% winning percentage. His 1980 Judson squad was the State Champion and his teams were also in the Elite Eight 4 times, and the Final Four twice. Ballard's teams were also the Central Region champions 4 times. Sam was named the Arizona State High School Coach of the Year 3 times and the Region Coach of the Year 5 times. He was the 5A/4A ACA Basketball All-Star Coach in 1993 and has been a featured speaker/presenter at several clinics in Arizona and California. Ballard kept giving back by volunteering his time to assist Royce Youree in coaching the Arizona Prep BCI teams playing in the National Tournament for High School Seniors from 1988 through 1995. In addition to the overall BCI record of 49-5, their teams won the National Championship 3 times, runners-up once, third 3 times, and the consolation title once. Coach Ballard currently maintains membership in the Arizona Coaches' Association and the Arizona Basketball Coaches Association.