(Editor’s Note: The following is a condensed version of coverage for the boys basketball team. To see the extended article with  further coverage and stats, go our website at www.patriotnewsmn.com.)

The Becker boys basketball team rolled to three wins in recent action, including an 87-57 win over Big Lake.

The night began with a special moment as Becker celebrated Staff Appreciation Night, where each player invited a teacher or community member who has impacted their growth as a person to attend.

This created an emotional and energized atmosphere from the opening tip.

The ninth-ranked Bulldogs received gigantic performances from Nathan Weiss (36 points, 10 rebounds) and Bryce Paumen (19 points, 15 rebounds), as both notched a double-double.

“This was another game where our players, with a high level of unselfishness, took joy in playing for one another and celebrating one another, which led to a game where we had 27 assists and only seven turnovers,” said Head Coach Cory Nuest.

Westonka

A night earlier, Becker defeated Westonka, 76-44, in a game Coach Nuest called “one of their most complete performances of the season.”

Westonka entered the game with two very good guards, including one who averages 24 points per game and has a 53-point performance this season. Becker’s defense rose to the challenge, with Nathan Weiss drawing the primary assignment and holding the high-scoring guard to just 11 points.

“Nathan was outstanding defensively,” said Nuest. “He accepted the challenge, competed every possession, and made things really difficult on a player who can score at a high level.”

Coach Nuest also praised his team’s shot selection, with Isiah Boyer scoring 19 points and adding six assists, while Troy Nuest had 12 points, six assists and provided the steady, vocal leadership to help his team excel.

Bluejackets

Tuesday night, the Bulldogs racked up another M8 Conference win, downing Cambridge-Isanti, 76-59.

“Cambridge is always a tough place to go on the road and win,” said Nuest. “They are a well-coached team, play a unique matchup zone, and shoot a ton of threes. I was really proud of our guys for how they played together and with toughness.”

Becker had amazing balance in the game, with five players in double figures: Troy Nuest 14 points (five rebounds and assists), Paumen 16 points (nine rebounds), Weiss 16 points (seven rebounds, nine assists), Boyer 15 points (seven assists) and Saul Kreft 12 points.