HUMBOLDT — Humboldt High’s Cubs found themselves in the unenviable position of starting a rebuilding season at home against Tri-Valley League favorite Eureka Friday evening.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Humboldt coach David Taylor said, noting the Cubs returned only one starter — Hunter Murrow — and two others who saw much varsity action in Humboldt’s state runner-up season a year ago.
And while Eureka came away with a 64-50 victory, Taylor found several positive signs.
“Markiz Pulliam had a very strong game for us, at both ends,” Taylor said. “And I thought his teammates did a great job of getting him the ball inside.”
Pulliam scored a game-high 20 points with six rebounds to lead Humboldt in his first ever varsity game.
“I was very pleased with our effort from everybody,” Taylor said.
Humboldt trailed by three late in the first half when a pair of turnovers led to six straight Eureka points.
“Suddenly, we’re down by nine,” Taylor said.
Humboldt stayed close, but could never recoup from its 33-24 halftime deficit.
“Eureka’s a good team, and they played well,” Taylor said. “They put four guys in double figures.”
Justin Meins followed with nine points, six rebounds and three assists. Hunter Murrow had three assists and two steals.
“If we play like this the rest of the way, we’re going to get some wins,” Taylor said.
Humboldt returns to action Tuesday as part of its preseason tournament. The Cubs host Uniontown.
Eureka (14-19-11-20—64)
Humboldt (13-11-10-16—50)
Eureka (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Lunderman 0-0-1-0, Pitko 6/1-2-2-17, Herb 6-5-2-17, Whitaker 0-0-2-0, Hays 4-2-2-10, Nelson 0-0-3-0, Lyon 1/1-0-3-5, Larcom 2-7-3-11, Motts 2-0-5-4. TOTALS: 21/2-16-23-64.
Humboldt (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Vanatta 1-1-0-3, H. Murrow 1-2-5-4, A. Murrow 1-0-1-2, Sellman 0/2-0-2-6, D’Armond 3-0-2-6, Meins 3-3-4-9, Pulliam 7-6-5-20, Siemens 0-0-4-0. TOTALS: 16/2-12-23-50.
Brief lull seals Humboldts’ fate
