Hudson girls split the week, fall to Denver, bounce back against AGWSR

By Siri Olsen  

The Hudson girls basketball team hosted No. 2-ranked Denver on Tuesday, Jan. 6, in a matchup that  would determine the top spot in the NICL East entering the second half of the season. The Pirates came into the  night just behind the Cyclones in the standings and were ready to give the state-ranked opponent a fight.  

Hudson’s hot shooting gave the Pirates an early lead, but Denver recovered and led 29-23 at the half.  The second half proved to be a battle. Hudson’s full-court press rattled the Cyclones, but it wasn’t enough to  pull out the win. Denver held on for a 50-42 victory to stay atop the conference standings.   Junior Taylor Davis led the Pirates with 15 points. Senior Mollie Hansen added 12, while freshman  Paige Davis pulled down seven rebounds. Junior Macey O’Brien dished out five assists.  

On Friday, Jan. 9, the Pirates traveled to Ackley for a road matchup against AGWSR. Hudson started  strong and never looked back, rolling to a 73-22 victory behind dominant defense and sharp shooting.   O’Brien led the way with a double-double, scoring 29 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Junior Siri  Olsen added eight assists, while Paige Davis and freshman Jordyn Rhoades each collected six rebounds.  

Hudson (5-3) will be back in action Friday, Jan. 16, when the Pirates travel to Parkersburg to face  Aplington-Parkersburg. Tip-off is set for 6:15 p.m.