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Lady Cobras Need OT To Top River Ridge

Hudson 41, River Ridge 40

Eric Horchy/SUNCOAST NEWS

River Ridge guard Jen Clone awaits Hudson senior Patty Russo's next move.

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: November 23, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - NEW PORT RICHEY - Regulation was not enough to settle Wednesday night's seesaw of a match up between Hudson and River Ridge.

Tied at 38-all, the Lady Cobras (3-2, 2-1) took advantage of the extra four minutes and eventually traveled back to Hudson with a 41-40 victory.

Leading the way for Hudson was sophomore Shannon Zasloff and senior Patty Russo.

Zasloff dropped in a game-high 13 points and Russo added 9, along with showing off some exceptional ball handling and passing abilities.

Cara Carley - the team's top scorer - was slowed from an ankle injury she suffered Monday, Hudson head coach Aaron Lounsbury said following the game. She played limited minutes and eventually fouled out of the contest.

The Lady Royal Knights (1-2, 0-1) were hurt by a lack of consistency on offense and simply could not get many shots to fall. They were only able to muster 3 points in the entire third period.

Neither team could manage much throughout the second half until a two-and-a-half minute flurry to close regulation.

With only 15 seconds remaining, Rose Gilmartin's runner in the lane to give River Ridge the 38-36 advantage was quickly answered by Zasloff as Hudson pushed quickly down the court.

Gilmartin was the spark plug for The Royal Knights in the final frame, scoring all of her 8 points there.

After nearly forcing a turnover, Hudson committed a late-game cardinal sin: fouling Amanda McCann as she attempted a three-pointer from the right wing.

As the scoreboard showed 1.1 seconds left, the iron proved unkind to McCann on her three free throw attempts and also for a teammate's put-back try at the buzzer.

"I just told them to relax, take their shots and adjust," Coach Lounsbury said afterwards about what he conveyed to his team heading into - and during - overtime.

Motivated by an early three-point basket from Zasloff in overtime, Hudson jumped in front and stayed a step ahead of River Ridge until time finally expired.

For the home team, Gilmartin and Megan Sanchez each had 8 points a piece to lead all River Ridge scorers.

Both squads will hit the court again this Tuesday for their next games.

River Ridge will host Class 5A, District 7 foes Land 'O Lakes and Hudson will welcome in the Lady Rams of Ridgewood.

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