Bears Out Claw Huskies in 57-50 Win

On Thursday, Jan. 7, the English Valleys Bears were stuck on automatic for the first half of their game against Highland, leading 20-9 after the first quarter and 36-18 at the halftime break.

After halftime, the momentum shifted to the Huskies. In the first half, they were defending in a 3-2 zone (which looks to prevent offense on the low post) to a 2-3 zone (which looks to prevent offense on the high post).

“Obviously I was disappointed that we let such a large lead get away from us against Highland, but I am also proud of how composed we stayed,” Coach Becker said regarding the evaporation of a 47-29 start of the fourth quarter lead.

The Huskies got within four late in the game, but even with a 21-10 fourth quarter scoring advantage, the Huskies fell by seven in the end.

The Bears were led by Mia Ayers’ 22 points.

“She (Ayers) is beginning to understand that she can facilitate from more than just the point guard position,” Becker said.

When it comes to close games, Coach Becker trusts her girls.

“I know we always have a chance if the game stays close because this group handles that well,” Becker said.

The following night, Jan. 8, Coach Becker’s Bears took on the BGM Bears and won 53-19.

“I never felt like we were smooth all night.  We did some things extremely well, but felt like we started a little slow and our intensity was up and down.  I know it is hard to maintain intensity when the game is lopsided, but we have to.  That is our next challenge - how to maintain intensity for the entire contest as well as how to make sure we don't go on a dry spell,” Coach Becker said.