North Branch hosted Becker on Tuesday night for a double header.
The girls teams would play first, and the Vikings jumped out to an early 6-0 lead. But the Bulldogs quickly called a timeout and this proved to be turning point. Becker got on the board and proceeded to go on a 21-4 run. During this run for Becker, North Branch's offense fell into a little bit of a slump. They maybe even rushed themselves a tad trying to get back into the game. The Vikings stuck with the gameplan and eventually got things going again. Late in the half the Vikings trailed 28-19, but certainly felt like they were knocking on the door of a comeback. The Bulldogs however slammed the door shut on that, going on an 8-0 run before half taking the lead at the break 36-19.
In the 2nd half the Bulldogs started right where they left off. The North Branch defense found more success in the 2nd half and was able to slow Becker's offense down. Their offense however was not as successful. It wasn't that they were playing bad or rushing things, it was more just not finding consistency. It was just one of those nights for the Vikes, where things were just a little off. And those are the games you have to play through and know you'll be better moving forward. North Branch would fall 60-36.
Scoring
North Branch:
Johanna Bartkey and Ella Kuhlman 10
Isabella Folkema 6
Katelyn Lattimore 5
Natalie Rosales 3
Sophia Petersen 2
After that game it was the boys' turn, and this game got off to a slow start. It took nearly 4 minutes for either side to score, but once they did the flood gates opened. It turned into a little bit of a shootout, and the feeling of whoever had the ball last would lead at half. But both defenses made some big stops to slow the scoring down some. It was neck and neck for a majority of the 1st half, but late the Bulldogs were able to get ahead by 9. North Branch seemed to be reeling some after this and were forcing some passes and shots which lead to more opportunities for Becker. The Bulldogs made good on those chances and would take a 10 point lead at half, 36-26.
Much like the 1st half the 2nd half got off to another slow start, but only for one team. Unfortunately, the Vikings struggled coming out off half and it wasn't long till the Bulldogs would grow their lead to 20 points. North Branch continued to make adjustments and eventually they were able to cut the 20 point lead. Even though it took some time the Vikings had brought themselves back within 8 of the Becker lead. While their offense was cooking the defense was playing well, but the Dogs were hitting any shot from anywhere on the court. And when a team gets confidence like that it's hard to stop. Ultimately, this would cause Becker to pull away late in the game and the Vikes had no way of stopping it. Again there was no lack of effort on the defense to stop it, Becker was just too hot. The Vikes bench only had 7 players who saw the court so fatigue also may have played a factor. Becker would come out on top 90-68.
Scoring
North Branch:
Jacob Knoespel 25
Vincent DuFeck 15
Ethan Thorsen 14
Tyler Minke 11
Chazz Johnson 2
Andrew Karnes 1
Both the boys and girls teams will be back in action on Thursday for another conference double header. They'll make their way to Chisago Lakes to play the Wildcats.
