Becker's breakthrough came last season when it won 27 games and advanced to the Class 3A state title game.
While Becker might no longer be taking teams by surprise, the Bulldogs have continued to play good basketball. However, Becker’s biggest obstacle yet on the path to return to the state tournament is Big Lake. On Tuesday, they meet in our pick for Top Game of the Week.
Becker, ranked No. 2 in Class 3A by Minnesota Basketball News from Jan. 22, has so far been able to replicate last season’s formula for success with a bevy of scorers that are powering the team to 77 points a game.
Four Bulldogs average 10 or more points per game, with Adeline Kent (16.9 ppg) and Julia Bengston (15.5 ppg) leading the pack. Teammates Megan Gamble (12 ppg) and Courtney Nuest (10.4 ppg) make up the supporting cast.
Becker (12-2, 6-0) made the switch this season to the Mississippi 8 Conference after previously playing in the Granite Ridge Conference. And for teams like Big Lake, that has made climbing the conference standings difficult.
Big Lake (11-5, 5-2) is competing near the top of the standings behind Cambridge-Isanti and Becker.
Becker and Big Lake have some familiarity, with Becker recently having the upper hand. The Bulldogs defeated the Hornets 63-56 in a Class 3A, Section 5 semifinal last March. And on Jan. 14, Big Lake lost the first league matchup 59-45.
Mia Huberty has emerged as a leader for the Hornets' offense, averaging 17.1 points per game. Big Lake also relies on Caela Tighe (13.3 ppg) and Reagan Sternquist (11.5 ppg) for production.