HUMBOLDT — The new year has proven to be a new chapter for Humboldt High’s Cubs.
After going winless in their pre-Christmas schedule, the Cubs picked up their first win in their first game back from Christmas break, defeating host Caney valley 57-45.
“I’m really, really happy for the kids,” Cub head coach David Taylor said. “We came out and played well at the start. We got a little complacent in the second quarter, and the next thing you know, we’re up only 22-17 at the half, but the key was the first three minutes of the third quarter.”
Humboldt reassumed control in the second half, outscoring Caney Valley 20-12 in the third period to lead 42-29.
Tanner McNutt, a transfer student playing in his first game of the season, poured in 22 points with four steals to lead Humboldt. Noah Thornbrugh added 17 points, 13 rebounds and four steals.
Trey Johnson poured in 10 points. Derek McCall had three steals and two assists.
“It was nice to see a lot of these kids play well,” Taylor said.
A key was free throw shooting. Humboldt drained 24 of 39 charities. Caney Valley was 9 of 17.
“We didn’t shoot free throws as well as we wanted to, but if you can make more than your opponent attempts, that’s a good sign.”
Dustin Mullinax scored 16 points and Tanner McIntosh 14 to lead Caney Valley.
Caney Valley hit a buzzer-beating shot to defeat Humboldt’s junior varsity 36-35. Blake Crawford led the Cub JV with 12 points.
Caney Valley also won the C-team contest 36-28. Zack Osborne’s six points led Humboldt.
The Cubs travel to Yates Center on Friday.
Humboldt (16-6-20-15—57) (FG/3-pt): McNUtt 3/3-7-3-22, McCall 1-4-3-6, Crawford 1-0-0-2, Johnson 1-8-3-10, Nickell 0-0-4-0, Thornbrugh 6-5-4-17. TOTALS: 12/3-24-17-57.
Caney Valley (7-10-12-16—45) (FG/3-pt): Richey 1-1-3-3, Nelson 1-0-0-2, Morrison 0/1-0-2-3, McIntosh 5-4-4-14, Wyant 0/2-0-1-6, Shamblin 0-0-5-0, Mullinax 5/1-3-3-16, Billingsley 0-1-4-1. TOTALS: 12/3-8-18-45.
Cubs handle Bullpups
