The Becker Bulldog girls basketball team went 1-2 this week, losing to Cathedral and Cambridge-Isanti while crushing Foley.
Becker 73, Foley 52
The Bulldogs came out firing on all cylinders Thursday night as they crushed the Foley Falcons by 21 points.
Along with the high offensive output, the Bulldogs played excellent man-to-man defense the entire night to frustrate the Falcons.
Becker had four ballplayers score double digits and Lexi Masog — who had been absent the last few games — hit three, three-pointers, giving her team a huge, emotional lift.
Julia Bengtson did a fantastic job running the backcourt and she contributed 13 points, constantly attacking the Foley defense.
Madi Kerzman had excellent post moves down low, enabling her to score 12 points in the paint. Cayla Apumen came off the bench to tally 10 points by hitting three-three-pointers in a row, electrifying the Bulldogs.
Haley Benda — out for seven months with a knee injury — created a spark for the girls as she scored six points and showed she still has her athleticism and mental toughness, attacking the basket from the wing position.
Claire Thorn also returned to action and she did an excellent job protecting the Bulldog basket on defense.
“It was a nice team victory, getting contributions from all players,” said Head Coach Dan Baird.
Bluejackets 69, Bulldogs 57
Becker lost in a non-conference game by 12 points at Cambridge-Isanti Monday night.
Becker had a difficult time stopping the dribble penetration. C-I’s Amanda Westberg scored 22 points and Lainie Cox added 20 points to provide a potent one-two punch Coach Baird’s squad couldn’t defend.
Kerzman scored 12 points and Renee Tripp tallied 11 points for the Bulldogs. Courtney Nuest added nine points.
Becker found themselves in foul trouble in the post position which made it difficult to protect the basket at times.
“Defensively, we as a team need to improve and keep working,” said Baird. “We're giving up way too many easy baskets.”
“Athletically, we are capable but just need to have a better focus on the defensive end.”
Cathedral 67, Becker 55
In a similar game to the Bluejacket’s loss, the Bulldogs struggled at the line and under the basket and lost in St. Cloud by 12 last Friday night.
Becker pressed on defense the entire game, but the Crusaders found ways to vanquish the press and run their offense.
Kerzman, again led the Bulldogs with 17 points. Bengtson added 16 points and Alayna Lindquist played a solid defensive game to go along with her eight points.
Megan Voit led Cathedral with 22 points. Her outside shooting and great ball handling put a stop to any Becker run.
Kate Tomczik added 15 points for the host team.
Becker finished the game 11-for-20 from the foul line while Cathedral was 16-for-18.
“This game came down to missed foul shots and layups,” said Baird. “Cathedral converted and we did not. Both teams put forth an excellent effort, making the game competitive.”
Up Next
The Bulldogs (4-8, 3-2) host Zimmerman Tuesday and Albany Friday to try and put a halt to their losing streak. Both games have tip-offs at 7:30 p.m.
