Cubs defeat Lancers in rematch

PLEASANTON — Humboldt High’s boys amped up their offensive and defensive pressure Saturday to remain undefeated on the 2012-13 season.
The Cubs, trailing Crest High by five at halftime, outscored the Lancers 28-10 in the third quarter to take control in a 72-50 victory.
The win lifts Humboldt to 12-0 on the season. Crest drops to 8-2, with both losses coming to Cubs.
“This was a good win for us,” Humboldt coach David Taylor said. “I have a lot of respect for Travis (Hermreck) and those kids.”
The Lancers grabbed the early advantage, leading 19-15 after one quarter and 30-25 at the break.
“I think we were trying to get in a shooting contest with them in the first half, and their shots were falling,” Taylor said.
But Humboldt’s outburst, keyed by its defense, gave the Cubs a 53-40 lead by the end of the third quarter.
“Our press bothered them a little bit,” Taylor said.
“My hat’s off to Coach (David) Taylor and the Cubs,” Lancer coach Travis Hermreck said. “They just flat took it to us in  the second half. I thought when they slapped on the press on us for about four possessions, and we responded by giving them eight points, the game was over at that point.
A familiar series of players led both teams.
Humboldt’s Noah Thornbrugh and Tanner McNutt scored 26 and 24 points, respectively, to lead the way. Thornbrugh added eight rebounds and three assists.
McNutt, meanwhile, pulled in five steals with three assists. Nathan Whitcomb added seven points and seven assists. Hunter Murrow also scored seven points.
For the Lancers, Kyle Hammond poured in 21 points, while Jordan Morton scored all 15 of his points on 3-point shots, hitting five. Jesse Boone had five rebounds, Brock Ellis had two blocks, and Morton had four steals. Hammond dished out four assists.
“We were getting great looks in the first half,” Hermreck said, “and those opportunities dried up. At that point, we started doing our own thing, and that’s not when we are at our best.
“I would’ve liked to challenge them for four quarters, but losing that team isn’t a horrible thing. They are a good team, and as long as they listen to Coach Taylor, they will get better.”
Humboldt returns to action Tuesday at Yates Center. Crest hosts Northeast-Arma.
Crest (19-11-10-10—50)
Humboldt (15-10-28-19—72)
Crest (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Boone 3-0-4-6, Green 0-0-2-0, Morton 0/5-0-3-15, Hammond 4/3-4-2-21, Ellis 2-2-0-6. TOTALS: 9/8-8-12-50.
Humboldt (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Vanatta 1-0-0-2, McNutt 7/3-1-0-24, Murrow 2/1-0-3-7, Whitcomb 3-1-3-7, Crawford 1-0-2-2, Johnson 2-0-2-4, Thornbrugh 8/3-1-2-26. TOTALS: 24/7-3-12-72.