I turned 80 a couple of weeks ago, so I have been watching high-school basketball games for the past 65 years. The game I saw last Saturday afternoon between Becker and Monticello had to be one of the most entertaining games I have ever seen. I have been following Monti’s outstanding point-guard, Matt Todd since I watched him play at a St. Cloud Holiday Tourney as a freshman.

 

I moved to Becker three years ago and my friend Curt Nordling came to Becker two years ago, so we went to the game. Lonnie Seeley came and sat behind us so we had fun visiting during the game. We, of course, pulled for Becker, but I, having a special liking for Matt Todd was enjoying his ability to drive in and score or whip a pass off to an open team-mate. Todd, a senior, had 36 points. Monticello led most of the game by as many as 15 points in the first half.

 

With the game getting down to the end, Monticello led 105 to 99. Then Becker’s outstanding guard Lucas Dertinger scored on a layup and was fouled for the three-point play to make it 105 to 102. Then Becker stole the inbound pass and scored to make it a one point game. Monti threw a long in-bound to the other end where the Monticello player kept it from going out of bounds and then they scored. 

 

Becker fired a long three at the buzzer that would have tied it. Final score Monticello 107, Becker 104 I a barn-burner.

 

I had to go and shake Matt Todd’s hand after the game and tell him what an exciting game it was. Dertinger had 40 points for Becker and had a great game. 

 

I appreciate so much the fact senior citizens get in for free. A lot of us seniors are on fixed incomes. Thank you!