Aldridge Scores 21, Bison Beat Hawks

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After cruising to its first two victories, Beachwood’s girls’ basketball team was pushed until the final whistle in a 44-40 victory over Hawken on Tuesday.

The Bison (3-0, 2-0 in the Chagrin Valley Conference) played without their only senior, Terrina Robinson, who sat out with an illness, and junior standout Mikah Aldridge found herself in early foul trouble. That forced head coach Mike Coreno to alter his starting lineup and rotation.

“The younger kids stepped up,” Coreno said. “Little by little they seem to be getting more comfortable in the rotations.”

Beachwood led 22-19 at the half and 27-26 after three quarters.

Gritty defense and key rebounding helped the Bison pull out the victory.

Junior Aneisha Hardin and Aldridge continued to disrupt the opposition’s offense and junior Christian Oden led the Bison with 8 rebounds. Juniors Monique Kaiser and Jada Stevens each added 6 boards.

“We have been playing a variety of defenses, as well as using a few different presses,” Coreno said. “Their hustle has sparked the defense.”

Aldridge scored a game-high 21 points. It’s the third time this season the 2011-2012 second-team all-conference performer has scored 21 or more points.

“I’m not surprised at all by how well Mikah is playing,” Coreno said. “She is a well-rounded player, plays defense, handles the ball well, and can hit the 3 as well as drive and finish.”

Hardin added 11 points for the Bison.

Beachwood hosts Richmond Heights on Friday.

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