Several key injuries have caused the Becker girls basketball team to rely on a secret weapon in their most recent wins: defense.  The team has been known for their offensive prowess in recent years, but their ability to shut down opposing teams has always been there. Recently, their defense has taken center stage in a series of wins.

Such was the case last Saturday, as the team traveled to Willmar and held the Cardinals to just five second-half points in a 56-19 win. The Bulldogs forced the Cardinals into committing 38 turnovers in the contest.

Becker still showed the ability to score, as the team hit nine three pointers and had three players score in double figures.

Becker scoring: Dani Nuest 15, Hannah Dierkes 10, Ayla Brown 14, Madi Bass 8, Avery Johnson 3, Evelyn Kreft 2, Liz Mackedanz 4.

Bluejackets

Defense, depth and rebounding were the keys a night earlier when the team defeated Cambridge-Isanti 72-44. Becker held the Bluejackets to just 36% shooting and also held an enormous 40-2 advantage in points off turnovers.  Defensively, the Bulldogs committed just eight fouls in the entire game.

Liz Mackedanz was a force on the boards with 10 rebounds, while Evelyn Kreft backed her up with nine.

Becker led 44-19 at halftime and showed its depth throughout the game, as 10 different Bulldogs scored points in the game.

“We really played a convincing first half,” Coach Dan Baird said.  “Ayla had a nice game as always and Maren did a nice job facilitating.”

Brown finished the game with 18 points and Westin dished out six assists for the Bulldogs, who pushed their record to 10-2 on the season.

“Overall, it was a great win against the second place team in the Mississippi 8 Conference,” Baird added.

Becker scoring: Nuest 15 (7 steals), Maren Westin 9 (6 assists, 5 steals), Dierkes 5, Brown 18 (5 assists), Reese Hausmann 4, Bass 9, Alexa Voller 3, Lauren Croal 3, Kreft 2 (9 rebounds), Mackedanz 4 (10 rebounds).

Tigers

Tuesday night, Becker cruised to a win over Princeton, 71-42, to remain undefeated in M8 Conference play.

“Dani Nuest had a nice stat line in this contest as she had 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and five steals,” Baird said. “As a team, we forced 27 turnovers and connected on 10 three pointers. When we connect on double digit threes, it typically means we’ll have a good shot to win the game.”

Becker showed great overall balance in the game, as five players scored at least nine points.

Becker scoring: Nuest 19, Dierkes 5, Brown 9 (7 assists, 7 steals), Hausmann 3, Bass 11, Croal 6, Kreft 9 (7 rebounds), Mackedanz 9.