The offseason training program for the Becker girls basketball team looks like a huge success, as coaches Dan Baird, Dom Squires and Scott Gudmundson led the team to many top-notch experiences.

The team won the Paynesville tournament, beating three excellent teams, while the JV squad also won their bracket.

In a recent trip to Wisconsin Dells, both the Varsity and JV went 5-1 on the court and also enjoyed the outdoor water parks and Moosejaw Pizza for some important bonding activities.

“Our team has had a really nice summer so far,” Head Coach Dan Baird said.  “We have had multiple wins over 20-plus win teams from last year which has us really excited!”

Baird cited a litany of accolades for many of his players, noting their skill development and positive attitude.

“Andie Changamire has taken her game to that next level and is quickly becoming one of the best players in the area,” Baird said.  “She is improving exponentially before our eyes.”

Another youngster earning high praise is Josie Reckelberg.

“She is doing a great job running the point guard position and defending like crazy,” Baird added.  “Tess Brown has taken her game to the next level as well, attacking the basket and playing great post defense, protecting the rim.”

The Bulldogs will also have some veteran leadership, as Lauren Croal’s offense has been smooth.

“She just seems to do everything well . . . making her three’s and has been looking to score which is exciting,” Baird said.  “Lauren’s leadership on the court has been outstanding.”

Baird also noted the work of  Eilidh Mrnak, calling her a “gym rat” who has worked on her shooting and ball-handling, while he also praises the development of Adele Changamire, Becker’s top returning scorer from a year ago when she averaged 10.6 points and six rebounds as an eighth grader.

She earned Newcomer of the Year honors last season from the Prep Girls Hoops publication, a distinction bestowed upon just one player from the state regardless of class affiliation.

“Adele’s steals and pressure defense to go along with her attacking downhill play was very evident,” Baird said.

In late June, Adele Changamire, Reckelberg and Croal were named Captains for the upcoming season due to their leadership and dedication to the program.

“Congrats to those girls, as they’ll do a great job,” Baird said.

After being named Captains, those girls, along with Mrnak and Brown, helped lead drills and run stations at the K-8 grade camps that were sponsored by the program.

There, players worked on fundamental skills including shooting form, ball-handling, pivots, drop steps, defensive stances, and defensive positioning.  Some fun games were played as well in the younger levels, replaced by competitive games in grades 6-8.  

“Overall, it’s been a fun, active summer for the Becker Bulldogs,” Baird concluded.