The Becker Lady bulldogs dropped two games this week to fall to 9-15.
Monticello 61, Becker 48
Monticello exploded in the second half of Tuesday’s home matchup and won a big Section 5AAA game, most likely securing a home playoff game.
“This was an ugly game with 50 fouls called,” said Becker Head Coach Dan Baird. “That's a lot. There wasn't much flow to the game at all due to the frequency of fouls.”
As a team, Baird said his girls didn't adjust well to the way the game was being called by the referees.
Lexi Masog was a bright spot for Becker as she scored 15 points, connecting on three from long distance.
“Lexi played one of her best games of the year and didn't seem to get rattled at all,” said Baird. “Lexi does a nice job at just ‘playing’. Nothing seems to rattle her. She does well in pressure situations.”
Brooke Haag led the Magic with 14.
Baird said his team did a nice job getting back in the game early and had chances to take the lead, but Monticello answered every Becker run.
“Monticello is well coached by Craig Geyen,” said Baird, “and he had his players well prepared.”
The Bulldogs finished the first half down by just two at 20-18, but the Magic put a spell on the Bulldogs in the final 18 and cruised to the 13-point win.
Becker scoring: Masog 15, Courtney Nuest 8, Renee Tripp 7, Haley Benda 6, Alayna Lindquist 4, Madi Kerzman 4, Julia Bengtson 3 and Claire Thorn 1.
Monticello scoring: Haag 14, Lauran Zwack 13, Anna Olson 11, Natalie Swanson 11, Brooke Bechtold 6 and Mia Banack 6.
Albany 63, Becker 48
Albany improved to 15-8 on the season with a 63-48 victory over Becker Thursday Night in Albany.
The Huskies were led by Erin Navratil's 14 points. Emily Johnson added 13 points.
Becker got a nice contribution from eighth grader Julia Bengtson, who really put a lot of pressure on Albany's defense all night long. Bengtson penetrated into the heart of Albany's defense and finished with eight points.
“Julia is an quick guard with excellent ballhandling skills,” said Coach Baird. “She has a bright future from the point guard position, and has a scorer's mentality as well.”
Becker put on display a 1-3-1 defense for the first time this season. Baird said it worked for awhile, but his squad appeared to get a little tired midway through the second half.
Albany kept their composure through the defensive scheme and hit big shots when they were needed.
Lots of fouls in this game also as Albany went 19-24 from the foul line while Becker was 11-20.
“I was very happy with the way we competed tonight against a good team that has eight seniors,” said Baird. “Their experience was important for Albany. They never got too rattled.”
Becker scoring: Bengtson 8, Kerzman 8, Thorn 6, Tripp 6, Benda 6, Lindquist 4, Nuest 4, Kirsten Fitzgerald 3, McKenna Anderson 3 and Masog 1.
Albany scoring: Navratil 14, Emily Johnson 13, Madison Schmitz 8, Amanda Kollodge 8, Paige Rueter 8, Paige Meyer 7 and Emma Seiler 4.
Up Next
With the loss, Becker falls to 9-15 on the season and will play the Foley Falcons at home Tuesday night in Becker, then play their final regular season game at Zimmerman Friday.
