In the Becker Lady Bulldogs’ first two games of the year, Dan Baird’s girls showed grit and determination as they split two games against high-quality opponents.

 

 

Tuesday’s home game was a clash between two teams expected to finish towards the top of Section 5AAA.  

 

Willmar, who finished fourth in last year's state tournament, returned three starters off last year's team and six of their top eight girls.  

 

Willmar out-rebounded Becker by 44-34, which dictated the outcome. The Bulldogs are rather diminutive compared to other teams and are looking to capture wins with their speed and athleticism.

 

“Willmar was a fantastic first game for the Bulldogs,” said Head Coach Dan Baird.  “They are good in all areas, especially defensively, which will help guide our practices as we move forward.”  

 

Baird said one of his team’s goals for the season is the increase their toughness by taking more charges, securing rebounds the correct way, and showing the grit and determination tough teams do.  

 

Tuesday night, Becker jumped out to an early lead.  However, Willmar crawled back into the game and by halftime, they held a 33-31 lead.  

 

“It was really fun to watch Julia Bengtson compete with Hannah Johnson all night,” said Baird.

 

Bengtson outscored Johnson (one of Willmar’s top players) 19-14 as the two battled like two heavyweights.  Bengtson also contributed eight rebounds and two steals on her way to an efficiency rating of 17.  

 

(Any rating in double digits is good, and above 15 is excellent).  

 

Freshman guard Adeline Kent led Becker in scoring with 24 points in her first career start.  

 

“Adeline was our spark plug, really excelling at the offensive end,” said Baird.  “Adeline worked super hard in the offseason.  It was great to see that hard work pay off against a great team.” 

 

 Courtney Nuest scored 12 points on 6-for-8 shooting and led Becker with eight rebounds.  Nuest's efficiency rating was 16.  

 

“Courtney has done a nice job accepting a role change this season.  Last year she played the #2 spot, running the right side of our fast break,” said Baird.  “This season, we've moved Adeline to that position, allowing Courtney to drive to the basket and use her aggressiveness and strength.”

 

Willmar was led in scoring by Carly Wedel's 16 points, who also was huge on the glass and boards.  Johnson contributed 14 points and exhibited why she is one of class AAA's top players.  

 

Becker shot 38% to Willmar's 44% from the field.  The Bulldogs shot 75% from the foul line to Willmar's 43%.  Willmar missed a lot of foul shots in this game, 21, while Becker missed layups.  

 

“These are signs of it being the first game of the season,” said Baird.  “Willmar did a real nice job getting back on defense, allowing only two fast break points, which is our strength.”  

 

 

The Bulldogs defeated the Delano Tigers 62-40 in a non-conference game at Becker Thursday night.  

 

Becker was led by Bengtson's 21 points and eight rebounds.  

 

“It was a great all around game because she  (Bengtson) also held Ellie Norling to just two points, which is way below her average,” said Baird.

  

Becker was struggling somewhat in the first half  against Delano’s coverage.  The Bulldogs would go on a spurt for a time, then allow the Tigers to claw their way back in. 

 

Kent continued her excellent play with 15 points and three rebounds.  

 

“Adeline's speed and athleticism has been a nice addition so far this season,” said Baird.  

 

Nuest added 12 points and five rebounds.  

 

“Courtney played a very consistent game,” he said.  “She just plays really hard and it pays off.  She only knows hard work.”  

 

Her eighth grade younger sister, Dani, scored her first varsity points late in the second half by draining a three — which got the crowd going.   

 

Lexi Masog hit two threes as well on her way to seven points. 

 

Delano's leader in scoring was Ashley Brinkman with 12 points, while Olivia Jaunich added nine points.  The loss moves Delano to 1-2 overall.   

 

 

Becker (1-1) takes on Bloomington Kennedy later today (Saturday) in the Tip-Off Classic.  The game will be played at Hopkin's Lindbergh Center at noon on the main court.  

 

The Tip Off hosts some of the state's best teams all throughout the day, and is owned by Becker alumni Justin Hegna. 

 

At 6 p.m., Eastview #3 AAAA will take on #1 Hopkins.   

 

“We are honored to have been invited to this event,” said Becker’s Head Coach.  “Come out and support the Lady Bulldogs and watch some fun competitive games that epitomize high school athletics!”