The Becker girls basketball team found itself in unfamiliar territory at the end of last week, as they lost a pair of games to a couple of the top-rated teams in Minnesota’s Class AAAA.  But despite the losses, the Bulldogs are gearing up for section play knowing that the tough competition will pay dividends.

Skippers

Last Thursday, Becker traveled to Minnetonka and ambushed the Skippers in the first half, taking a 38-28 lead into the locker room before fading down the stretch in a 83-73 loss.

“We played our best half of the year in the first half versus Minnetonka,” said Coach Dan Baird.  “The second half was a different story as they outscored us 55-35.”

Becker built the early lead with some skillful three point shooting, as the Bulldogs hit 11-for-19 shots from beyond the arc for the game (58%).

The halftime lead surely sent a shock through the much larger Skippers, as they came out and played a much different second half.  (The MSHSL uses a formula to determine school enrollment for competition purposes and lists Becker’s at 836 and Minnetonka’s at 3,198).

“They have two dynamic guards in Desiree Ware and Kiani Lockett,” said Baird.  “We stayed in front of them in the first half but got tired in the second, which led to wide open three’s from their bench players that hit the shots.”  Minnetonka connected on a total of eight three-point shots in the second half.

Despite the loss, Baird was proud of his girls for their effort and for not being intimidated by the magnitude of the game.

“Our girls battled one of the best teams in the state, as Minnetonka has everything, size, speed, shooting, great coaching,” said Baird.  “It was probably our best game of the year to compete with them.  We’re really proud of our girls.  This game will get us ready for playoff basketball for sure!”

Royals

After Hopkins canceled a game with the Bulldogs a week ago, the much ballyhooed matchup finally took place last Friday night in Becker, with the top ranked team in Class AAAA running away with a 85-58 victory.

Becker actually led 4-0 early, but then Hopkins went on a 31-2 run to put the game out of reach early.

“As a team we did a poor job meeting passes as we were a little on our heels,” said Baird.   “Nu Nu Agara scored 19 points on 8-for-10 shooting and had four steals.  She was amazing and displayed why she’s one of top recruits in country.”

The play of Senior Courtney Nuest was a highlight for Becker, as she had 12 points, five rebounds and four steals.

“Courtney really had her second great game in a row,” said Baird.  “She just proved she was ready to play.”

Baird also sang the praises of Megan Gamble, who had 14 points and five rebounds and battled well with Maya Nnaji (another top Hopkins recruit).

Although the Bulldogs trailed early, they played an even second half with the Royals, scoring 30 and giving up 31.

“We competed in the rebound and turnover department in the second half,” said Baird. “ Our shooting percentage isn’t where we’d like.  To beat a team like Hopkins, you have to shoot well and we did not.  This competitive game will help us learn a few things about ourselves as we head into section play.”

Playoffs

Section seeding took place Sunday, with the Bulldogs earning the top spot in the bracket and earning a bye in the first round scheduled for March 18.

March 23, Becker will host the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between #4 Zimmerman and #5 Rocori, while the finals will be played March 26.  For section play this year, the home team will be the high seed throughout the tournament, meaning that as long as they win their semifinal contest, Becker would be the host for the section finals.

The other side of the bracket pits #2 Willmar against #7 Monticello and #3 Big Lake against #6 St. Francis in quarterfinal play.