Local SportsJournal.com

BENZONIA — Ludington’s girls basketball team tipped off the season with a big road victory over the Benzie Central Huskies, 48-11 in non-conference action Wednesday night.

The Orioles (1-0) overcame some early jitters, built a big lead and then coasted the rest of the way.

Ludington head coach Warren Stowe was particulary happy with the Orioles’ defensive showing.

“A lot of good nerves, first game of the year and trying to build a foundation for the season,” Ludington head coach Warren Stowe said. “They just came out firing on all cylinders, especially on the defensive end.

“It’s just who we are as a program. We settled down halfway through that first quarter offensively. I was mostly proud of their offensive patience. They (the Huskies) didn’t leave the paint. They really forced us to shoot. We worked really hard to still fight for good shots.”

Ludington held the Huskies scoreless in the second quarter, and put the game out of reach by halftime.

Although struggling with some first-game jitters early, the Orioles quickly settled down and got into their offensive flow.

With the Huskies packing in the paint, the Orioles started shooting from the perimeters and knocked down some big outside shots to take a 16-4 lead after the first quarter.

The Orioles shut out the Huskies in the second period, 14-0 and went into the locker room at the half with a 30-4 lead and never looked back. It was 39-9 at the end of three.

Olivia Lynn led the Orioles with 16 points, while RyAnn Rohrer added 10 and Aeelyn Laird contributed eight.

Ludington has its first home game Friday night against Zeeland East.

“I don’t know much about them, other than Zeeland is a good basketball program,” Stowe said. “I know those girls are going to be strong and physical. That’s just how they are.”