Hudson solved one of the state's toughest defenses by shooting over it.

Seven of Hudson's 12 field goals came from 3-point range and the fourth-ranked Pirates pulled away late to beat No. 2 Cascade 45-33 in the Class 2A semifinals.

Cascade, losing for the first time in 27 games, had given teams fits all season with its sticky 2-3 zone. But Hudson was able to loosen things up by knocking down seven of 17 3-point shots, then finished the game with a 15-4 run to earn a berth in Friday night's championship game.

It will be the first appearance in the finals for Hudson, whose best previous finish had been third in the 1979 six-player tourney. The Pirates will take a 25-1 record into the title game at 8 p.m. Friday.

Casey Miles led Hudson with another solid all-around game, putting up 15 points, six rebounds and five assists. Lindsey Koch went 3-for-4 from 3-point range in scoring 14 points and Amanda Cartney chipped in with seven points and six rebounds.

Abbey Meyer carried Cascade's offense with 24 points on 8-for-13 shooting that included four 3-pointers. Carolyn Trumm added seven points and eight rebounds for the Cougars, who had been allowing only 31 points a game.

Cascade trailed just 30-29 after Meyer hit her final 3 with 5:09 remaining. Miles answered with a 3 of her own, then sank three free throws for a 36-29 lead. The Cougars drew to 36-31 on Thrumm's bucket inside but got no closer as Hudson went on to make seven of eight free throws to win going away.