A potent offense and a stingy defense led the ninth-ranked Becker Bulldog boys basketball team to three wins last week.

Versus C-I

Last Tuesday, the team went on the road and took down Cambridge-Isanti, 76-59.

“Cambridge is always a tough place to go on the road and win,” said Becker head coach Cory 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’s balance was on full display as all five starters finished in double figures, as the Bulldogs were efficient offensively, scoring from the perimeter and inside, and consistently attacking the rim to earn trips to the free-throw line. 

One of Becker Coach Cory Nuest’s “Big 7” keys to victory is winning shot selection, and the Bulldogs executed that goal at a high level throughout the night.

Troy Nuest steadied the Bulldogs with 14 points, knocking down four three-pointers and finishing with five rebounds and five assists. Bryce Paumen added 16 points and anchored the paint with nine rebounds while providing steady inside scoring. Nathan Weiss also scored 16 points, going 10-for-11 at the free-throw line, while adding seven rebounds and nine assists. Isiah Boyer chipped in 15 points, six assists, and three steals, while Saul Kreft rounded out the double-figure scorers with 12 points while shooting efficiently from the floor.

Nuest also credited Nolan Burau with providing a strong spark off the bench, scoring three points and contributing energy, defense, and rebounding in key minutes.

“Our ability to share the ball, stay disciplined against Cambridge’s defensive scheme, and make smart decisions offensively proved to be the difference in the complete team win on the road,” Nuest concluded. 

Versus M-W

The Becker Bulldogs turned in one of their most complete performances of the season Thursday night, earning a 76-44 home victory over Mound-Westonka behind unselfish offense, disciplined defense, and outstanding shot selection.

The White Hawks 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.”

Offensively, Becker played connected basketball all night, recording 24 assists on just nine turnovers while limiting Westonka to only five offensive rebounds. The Bulldogs consistently made the extra pass, celebrated one another’s success, and played with great balance.

“This was our best game from a shot-selection standpoint,” Nuest said. “We attacked the paint, kicked it out when help came, and took shots we believe in.”

Isiah Boyer set the tone early by attacking the rim and making excellent decisions with the ball. He finished with 19 points, six assists, and strong on-ball pressure that helped fuel Becker’s momentum. Troy Nuest added 12 points, six assists, and vocal leadership, while consistently keeping the offense flowing.

Bryce Paumen continued his strong play inside with 20 points and eight rebounds, scoring efficiently around the basket and anchoring Becker on the glass. Nathan Weiss contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and elite defense, impacting the game on both ends of the floor.

Saul Kreft added five points and provided physical play inside with several great offensive rebound tip-outs that led to points.  

“Our ability to defend, share the ball, and trust one another made for a fun night of basketball and a performance that reflects our identity,” Nuest said.

Versus Hornets

Last Friday, the Bulldogs captured the “W” in the latest version of the Highway 10 Border Battle,  cruising past Big Lake 87–57 in front of a packed home crowd on Staff Appreciation Night.

Becker entered the game 10–2, ranked No. 9 in the state, and sitting in first place in the Mississippi 8 Conference. Big Lake came in at 8–3 and in third place, just one game back, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rivalry matchup.

The night began with a special moment as Becker celebrated Staff Appreciation Night. Each player invited a teacher or community member who has impacted their growth as a person, creating an emotional and energized atmosphere from the opening tip.

Becker fed off that energy right away and took control early. Isiah Boyer and Nathan Weiss attacked the basket early and often, scoring in a variety of ways as the Bulldogs jumped out to a 14 - 4 lead. Becker pushed the advantage to 20 points by halftime and never looked back on the way to the 30-point win.

“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 Nuest. “We also out-rebounded them by 12 and limited them to five offensive rebounds. We held them to seven three-pointers and 57 points when they were averaging 82 points per game. I’m proud of our guys for competing at a high level and having fun doing it.”

Nuest noted that Big Lake is really talented, shoot at a high level and are very fast. 

"We do have some things to clean up on the defensive side of the ball as we go into this week with an 0–0 mindset, staying present, enjoying the moment, and trying to get better each and every day,” said the coach.

The Big Lake game also featured some high-level individual performances.

Nathan Weiss led all scorers with 36 points, knocking down seven three-pointers while also pulling down 10 rebounds and adding three assists. Isiah Boyer finished with 19 points and six assists, setting the tone with his ability to attack the paint and make strong decisions.

Bryce Paumen controlled the interior with 19 points and 15 rebounds,  whileTroy Nuest directed the offense with an outstanding floor game, totaling 13 assists while adding five points and helping Becker consistently generate quality shots.

Saul Kreft chipped in five points, three rebounds, and two assists with physical play inside, while Owen Reinking added three points and two rebounds off the bench. 

Nolan Burau provided energy and toughness in his minutes, helping Becker maintain intensity throughout the night.