Girls Basketball: Pirates Roll Through Four-Game Stretch Ahead of Postseason

By Siri Olsen  

The Hudson Pirate girls basketball team opened a four-game stretch on Tuesday, Feb.  3, traveling to Sumner to take on the Sumner-Fredericksburg Cougars. The Pirates came out  on a roll, as the Cougars struggled to keep pace with Hudson’s intense full-court press.  Hudson maintained control throughout the game and took a 19-point lead into halftime.  

Even with a commanding advantage, the Pirates never let up, extending their lead to  secure a 41-point victory. Hudson earned a 73-32 win and improved its record to 12-5. Senior  Mollie Hansen led the way with 24 points, knocking down six 3-pointers. Juniors Macey  O’Brien and Taylor Davis each pulled down nine rebounds. It was a strong start to the four game stretch for the Pirates.  

Hudson was back on the road Thursday, Feb. 5, traveling to Vinton to face the Class 3A  Vinton-Shellsburg Vikettes. The Pirates led by five at the end of the first quarter before turning  up the pressure in the second. Hudson allowed just one basket in the second quarter and took  a commanding 38-9 lead into halftime.  

The Pirates continued their strong play in the second half, combining sharp shooting,  solid ball movement and tough defense to pull away for a 67-28 victory. Junior Taylor Davis led  Hudson with 19 points, while Hansen added 12. O’Brien grabbed eight rebounds in the win.  

Friday night brought a major test, as Hudson hosted the No. 8-ranked Grundy Center  Spartans in Class 2A. The game was a back-and-forth battle from the opening tip, with both  teams trading baskets and defensive stops throughout the first half. The score was tied 23-23  at halftime.  

Both teams continued to battle in the second half, but Grundy Center was able to hit  key shots down the stretch to earn a 53-45 win. Despite the loss, the Pirates were proud of  their performance against a top-ranked opponent. O’Brien led Hudson with 16 points and  added five rebounds. The Pirates also shot an impressive 53.8% from 3-point range.  

Hudson closed out the week Saturday, Feb. 7, against the South Hardin Tigers. The  physical matchup didn’t slow the Pirates, who jumped out to a 23-6 lead after the first quarter  and stayed in control the rest of the way. Hudson earned a 53-34 victory to improve its record  to 14-6.