The Becker boys basketball team knocked off a very good Zimmerman Thunder team last Thursday by a score of 65-56.

Becker came into the game once again ranked in state in Class AAA (#9) and the Thunder proved to be a formidable foe with their third place Mississippi 8 Conference ranking.

Before tipoff, senior Troy Nuest was honored for breaking Becker’s single-season steals record with 69, a record that he would go on to add to with an additional five swipes in the game.

The Bulldogs started off hot, amassing a 30-15 lead with Nuest, Nathan Weiss and Isiah Boyer all distributing the ball to teammates for quality shots.

Zimmerman used its length, however, to respond and the Thunder took a three point lead at the midway point of the second half.

Despite the adversity, the Dogs didn’t falter, as Boyer made a bunch of plays and Bryce Paumen went to work inside to bolster the offense.

It was the type of performance that will make the Bulldogs an unwanted matchup for opponents in the upcoming Section playoffs.

“I am really proud of our guys staying connected and composed in big moments after getting down at home,” said Coach Cory Nuest. “Those are two of our core values and a huge reason for our success this year. They also competed at a high level when things weren’t going our way after missing several point-blank layups that Zimmerman converted. That’s what makes these guys really fun to coach.”

Becker was led by Paumen with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Weiss finished with 17 points, nine assists, and six rebounds.  Boyer added 14 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and two steals, while consistently setting the tone offensively. 

Troy Nuest contributed five steals, three assists, and three rebounds, and Saul Kreft provided key minutes with nine points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Nolan Burau chipped in two points and three rebounds off the bench.

Vs. Vikings

Tuesday night, Becker downed North Branch by a score of 76-44.  

It was all Bulldogs from the opening tip, as Becker took a 45-20 halftime lead and cruised to remain unbeaten in the M8 Conference.

Bryce Paumen went off in the game for 30 points, while three teammates joined him in double figures: Nathan Weiss (13), Troy Nuest (11), and Isiah Boyer (10).

As has been the case recently, Becker’s bench was a big factor in the game, with Owen Reinking nailing a pair of three’s en route to his eight point performance.