Thursday, March 28th, 2024 Church Directory
The Becker girls basketball team earned the #1 ranking in MN Class AAA basketball In the first poll of the season. Pictured front (L to R): Hannah Dierkes, Avery Johnson, Liz Mackedanz, Adeline Kent, Lexi Rose, Evelyn Kreft and Alli Groskreutz. Back: Reese Hausmann, Dani Nuest, Alexa Voller, Ayla Brown, Lauren Croal, Maren Westin and Madison Bass. (Photo by Mark Kolbinger.)

Becker girls hoops team ready for new challenges

There will be some familiar faces in the lineup when the Becker girls basketball team takes the court this season, but for Head Coach Dan Baird, that’s where the comparisons will end.

“We will refrain from making comparisons to last year’s team,” says Baird, who guided the Bulldogs to the state championship a year ago en route to a 19-3 overall record. “Our team is very hungry to prove themselves, and it has been nice to see the work ethic and drive heading into a new challenge.”

While it certainly is a new team and a different year (the Bulldogs lost four seniors to graduation, all of whom are playing college basketball), some of the Bulldogs will look familiar to fans, and the pace of play might be even faster than a year ago. The Bulldogs are not a tall team, yet their athleticism and defense have gained a statewide reputation, as Becker was rated number one in the initial Class AAA poll announced last week.

“We have five guards that are excellent on-ball defenders, are skilled with the ball, excellent shooters, and love to put pressure on the defense off the bounce,” Baird says. “We will continue to play a fast and fun style.”

Leading the way for the Bulldogs will be Adeline Kent, a two year All State performer whom Baird calls one of the best on-ball defenders in the state. 

“Offensively, she is constantly attacking the basket and putting pressure on the defense with an excellent mid-range game... she shoots threes well, too, and has a scorer’s mentality,” says Baird.

Another leader for Baird will be Maren Westin, an Honorable Mention All State performer from a year ago whom Baird says is one of the highest rated players in the state.

“Maren can play any position for us, as she reads defenses really well and makes correct decisions,” Baird says. “Maren has a great chance to be a first team All State selection this season.”

Baird believes that the team has two other players who have legitimate chances to earn All State honors this season in Dani Nuest and Ayla Brown.

“Dani is going to have a great year as she shoots the three at a high percentage and could explode for 30 points any night... she does a nice job leading with her effort and attention to details,” Baird says. “Ayla plays amazing defense and can guard and shutdown anyone... she has a really strong core and can just frustrate opponents with her strength. She also has a lightning quick first step and is electric at attacking the basket.”

In addition to those players with varsity experience, Baird also sees several other players who will contribute major minutes this season. Baird says that Lexi Rose is a skilled guard who will fit well with the Bulldogs’ style of play, while Liz Mackedanz will be a tenacious rebounder who will give the team a solid presence in the post. He also mentions Evelyn Kreft and her athleticism and rebounding, as well as Lauren Croal and her skills in the open floor as possible key contributors for the team.

As for this year’s goals, Baird says the team is focused on starting a new home winning streak and preparing as thoroughly as possible for the postseason.

“We’re striving to go 12-0 at home this season, as we had our 38 game home winning streak snapped by Hopkins at the end of last season and would like to start a new one,” Baird said.  

To prepare for the postseason, Baird and Activities Director Dave Niemi have put together an intense non conference schedule that includes teams who had a combined .727 winning percentage last season. There are a number of AAAA schools like Minnetonka, Wayzata, Appleton (Wisconsin) and Roseville.  

“We also play 3A perennial powerhouse teams in Holy Angels and Como Park and it will also be exciting to play Providence Academy and Fergus Falls in Class AA, two teams contending for the state title in the smaller class,” Baird says. “Our non-conference schedule is one of the toughest in the state... so we won’t have time to focus on a state championship because we’ll be preparing for our next tough opponent. As a coaching staff, we are preparing these student athletes for a successful future by stressing a growth mindset, preparing them to handle adversity and work hard.”

The Bulldogs opened the season Thursday night in Princeton. Check out next week’s issue of the Patriot for results.