It was a busy stretch for the Becker girls basketball team, as they picked up 3 conference wins in the past week and a half, while losing only to top ranked Minnetonka.

Versus Hornets

Becker defeated Big Lake 70-44 last Friday night in Big Lake, as Becker dominated the inside.  

“The difference in this contest was the turnover battle and points in the paint,” Said Becker Coach Dan Baird.  “We committed only six turnovers compared to 23 for Big Lake, and we outscored them in the paint, 58 to 14.”

The Changamire sisters were again too much for the Bulldogs’ opponents to handle, with Adele Changamire going off for 25 points, five rebounds, and seven steals, while sister Andie had 23 points, six rebounds, five assists.  

“Andie did a great job attacking, not settling for 3's, and did so without committing any turnovers,” Baird said.  “Tess Brown gave us incredible energy in this performance on both ends of the court.  She protected the basket and attacked the basket offensively.  Tess had 10 points and didn't commit any turnovers.”

Big Lake was led by Greta Layton, who had 15 points and eight rebounds.  

“Greta is a solid, young player that gives Big Lake a bright future in the years to come,” Baird said.  

With the win, Becker moves to 7-4 on the season and 5-1 in the M8 Conference, while Big Lake falls to 6-7 overall and 2-4 in the M8 Conference.

Versus C-I

Last Tuesday, Becker defeated Cambridge 91-27 in another sizzling offensive performance.

Adele Changamire turned in a truly remarkable performance going nine-for-nine from the field and three-for-three from the three-point line, to finish with 23 points and five rebounds.

Andie Changamire had 20 points to go with four rebounds and three assists, while Alyse Denne scored 13 points for Becker, in addition to five rebounds and five assists.  

"Alyse's pesky defense all season has been a weapon for us,” Baird said.  “In this contest, she had two steals and six deflections.”  

Becker out-rebounded Cambridge 39-25, and Becker committed 11 turnovers to the Bluejackets’ 20.  Becker shot 67% in this contest. 

Versus Vikings

On January 9, Becker set a school record with 107 points in a win over North Branch.  

The Bulldogs shot 68% from the field and scored 79 points in the first half, as Baird used his entire roster.  

Andie Changamire led Becker with 24 points on 10-for-13 shooting, while she also had six rebounds and five assists to continue with her excellent ninth grade season.  Alyse Denne scored 14 points to go with her great defensive performance, snagging three steals to go with three deflections. 

Versus Skippers

Last Saturday, top-ranked Class AAAA Minnetonka used its home court advantage to beat Becker 75-62  Minnetonka moved to 15-1 on the season with the win, but the Bulldogs were not intimidated by the large class school and atmosphere.  

“This game was competitive throughout,” Baird said.  “The game was very similar stat wise, as both teams had 30 rebounds and 13 turnovers.”

The game came down to timely shooting for Minnetonkaas the Skippers hit some tough contested shots.

“They hit shots where I thought we can't play any better defense than that,” Baird said.  “They just hit a tough shot.  I'm very proud of our girls.  Minnetonka has be ranked #1 for a good part of the season in class 4A.  Our girls competed.”

Baird noted that his team’s speed forced the Skippers to call timeouts throughout as Becker was breaking down their opponents’ defense.  

“To upset a top ranked team like a Minnetonka, you'd need them to miss a few outside shots and they just didn’t,” Baird said.  “I’m so proud of our rebounding and the way we broke their press without turning the ball over.  That gave us a chance.”

Baird noted that Adele Changamire was incredible in this contest, going downhill and getting to the basket against some of the best guards in the state.  

“Adele has truly had an amazing season for us,” Baird said.  “Her relentless attack capabilities are hard to stop.  She's quick, strong, and persistent which is a great combination for breaking down an opposing team's defense, and that was definitely on display.”

The sophomore phenom had 24 points, five rebounds, and four assists to lead Becker, while  Andie Changamire had 15 points and six rebounds, turning in a nice second half performance.  

“Tess Brown played some great defense on Division 1 recruit Lesedra Williams, holding her to 12 points and five rebounds,” Baird noted.  “Tess had eight points and five rebounds and battled her the entire game.”

“Although this game was a loss, our quality of basketball is definitely improving as we reach the midpoint of our season,” Baird concluded.