In yet another offensive explosion, the Becker girls basketball team scorched the home nets Tuesday night, shooting 53% from the field en route to defeating the Big Lake Hornets, 93-39.
It was a battle of state ranked teams, as the Bulldogs came into the game the consensus #1 team in Class AAA, while Coach Reyan Robinson had her Hornet squad occupying the #10 spot in the latest poll.
“For whatever reason, our girls always get up for this game,” said Baird, whose team led 49-25 at halftime. “Our girls are always excited for the opportunity to compete against Big Lake.”
The rivalry has been close the past five seasons, with Becker holding a slight 5-3 advantage during that span going into Tuesday’s tilt.
“They beat us at the buzzer three years ago on a last second shot,” recalled Baird, whose team used that game as motivation to win the last four matchups. “We’ve been at our best against them ever since.”
In Tuesday’s matchup, it was again the offensive prowess of the Bulldogs that highlighted the storyline, as seniors Courtney Nuest (23) and Julia Bengtson (24) led the team in points. Bengtson was on fire early, putting up 19 before halftime.
“Julia and Courtney played amazing,” said Baird. “Our pressure was a key to the game, as once we tired them out we were able to get some turnovers.”
Big Lake started the game even with Becker and actually led 10-8, forcing Baird to call a timeout. From there, the Bulldogs outscored the Hornets 41-15 to take the big halftime lead. To start the second half, Becker went on a 13-0 run in the first two minutes to put the game out of reach.
“Big Lake really played us tough in the beginning, but our depth came into play,” said Baird, whose team would force 32 Hornet turnovers.
The Hornets were led by Mia Huberty, who scored 12 points in the game and was honored with a stoppage of play during the second half when she scored her 1,000th career point.
“Mia is a such a great kid, I’d take 10 of her if I could [because] she works so hard at everything she does,” said Robinson. “It’s no surprise to anyone that knows her that she reached this amazing milestone. I’m so lucky to be her coach and proud of her accomplishment.”
As for Becker, Robinson knows the team well and was proud of how her team played in the opening half.
“That first half was so fun . . . I knew they had that in them and it’s only week four,” said Robinson. “I can’t wait to see where we’ll be in March.”
Becker scoring: Adeline Kent 6, Maren Westin 9, Alayna Lindquist 4, Courtney Nuest 23, Bengtson 24, Whitney Schug 5, Dani Nuest 4, Megan Gamble 8, Ayla Brown 7, Liz Mackedanz 2 and Evelyn Kreft 1.
Big Lake scoring: Hailey Millam 8, Ava Vizenor 2, Huberty 12, Olivia Stockham 2, Emily Steen 5, Makayla Hintz 2, Caela Tigne 6, Emma Jacobs 2.
Bulldogs 97, Tigers 38
Last Friday, the Bulldogs smothered Princeton, forcing 41 Tiger turnovers and converting those into 59 points.
“Our goal was to out-rebound Princeton as that is their strength, and we did so, 44-26,” said Baird. “Individually, Megan Gamble continues to play at an All-State level with 17 points, eight rebounds and six steals in only 15 minutes of action.”
Becker’s defense was in the passing lanes all night, nabbing 28 steals to the Tigers’ 4.
Adeline Kent had 16 points on 7-for-10 shooting, while Maren Westin had 15 points to go along with three assists and three steals.
Scoring: Kent 16; Westin 15; Alayna Lindquist 10; Courtney Nuest 8; Julia Bengtson 6; Dani Nuest 12; Gamble 17; Jackie Yoerg 2; Ayla Brown 6; Liz Mackedanz 2 and Evelyn Kreft 3.
