Hudson Girls Basketball Team Uses Patience, Passing to Find Its Layups in Win

The Hudson girls basketball team jumped to an early lead at the Hudson High School East Gym on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011, against Baldwin-Woodville. The Raiders never looked back, passing the ball around the perimeter well until they could find an opening inside.

The score was 30-16 at halftime, and after freely substituting much of the fourth quarter, the final score stood at 55-37.

Coach Ed Johnson told his players as they had a bit of a let-up to start the third quarter, that they needed to make this a complete game.

They responded, as Alexa Belanger finished with 16 points, and Kindra Witthus had 18. Sideline scorer Susan Dahl described a quirky interest of hers, saying that she was hoping Witthus could get up to 22, as that would match her number.

The Raiders used a full-court press, and later in the third, post player Jamie Lindstrom started asserting herself inside until she got her fourth foul and had to take a seat for a while.

The score advanced to 40-21 as Baldwin-Woodville fouled hard in an effort to stop a breakaway layup after a steal. It could have been worse, but the free throw that would have made it a three-point play was missed.

"We got off to a good start," Johnson said, adding this had been an aim of the squad against the school that is smaller—in both size and enrollment.

"This is a difficult week because it is finals time, as well," Johnson said, then noted the lack of Baldwin-Woodville scoring. "Our defense is gradually putting its game together."

Former Raider Ashley Ellefson walked in during the fourth quarter and liked what she saw.

"This is great. It is really fun," she said about seeing former classmates having success out on the floor.