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No. 1 Hopkins too much for 3A power Becker

By JIM PAULSEN, Star Tribune, 03/12/21, 9:15PM CST

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The Royals used a 31-2 first-half run en route to an 85-58 victory over the Bulldogs, who suffered their third consecutive loss after a 38-game winning streak was broken.

Hopkins' Taylor Woodson (20) shot over the arms of a Becker defender in the first half Friday at Becker. Photo by Cheryl A. Myers, SportsEngine

Hopkins' Taylor Woodson (20) shot over the arms of a Becker defender in the first half Friday at Becker. Photo by Cheryl A. Myers, SportsEngine

It had been 11 days since the No. 1, Class 4A Hopkins girls’ basketball team had played a game, a pause in the Royals’ season necessitated by COVID-19 caution.

Their return to action Friday proved a triumphant one, running away from host Becker 85-58.

The taller, more physical Royals (13-0) controlled the game from the outset after Becker, which has spent much of the season ranked No. 1 in Class 3A, took a 4-0 lead to open the game. Hopkins then went on a 31-2 run that put the game out of reach before it was 10 minutes old. The run was sparked by Hopkins’ ability to routinely go over and through the smaller, scrappy Becker players.

There was guard Amaya Battle, hauling down one-handed rebounds. Center Maya Nnaji using her long arms and 6-4 height to tower over the lane. And bookend sophomore forwards Taylor Woodson and Nunu Araga, both of whom top 6-feet and play with aggression and athleticism, snatching rebounds and denying Becker any easy baskets.

Hopkins' Nu Nu Agara (24) battles for possession under the hoop with Becker's Ayla Brown (31).  Agara led the Royals to an 85-58 win at Becker High School on Friday night. Photo by Cheryl A. Myers, SportsEngine

Hopkins' Nu Nu Agara (24) battles for possession under the hoop with Becker's Ayla Brown (31). Agara led the Royals to an 85-58 win at Becker High School on Friday night. Photo by Cheryl A. Myers, SportsEngine

Hopkins' Amaya Battle (5) is fouled on the way to the basket by Maren Westin (12). The Royals, ranked No.1 in Class 4A, cruised to an 85-58 win over the No. 3-3A Bulldogs. Photo by Cheryl A. Myers, SportsEngine

Hopkins' Amaya Battle (5) is fouled on the way to the basket by Maren Westin (12). The Royals, ranked No.1 in Class 4A, cruised to an 85-58 win over the No. 3-3A Bulldogs. Photo by Cheryl A. Myers, SportsEngine

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