HUMBOLDT — A stifling defensive effort from the Humboldt High Cubs gave them the edge they needed to overpower the Erie High Red Devils Friday night, 59-27.
The Cubs held the Red Devils to just 10 points in the first two quarters, five in each.
“We really played good defense,” Head Coach David Taylor said. “We came out hungry and amped up our defense from the start.”
Humboldt’s half-court trap led to many of the team’s 14 steals, many of which led to fast-break points.
The second half started with the Cubs up 35-10. The Red Devils matched their first half performance in the third quarter alone with 10 points; the Cubs had 18.
Taylor said the team has not allowed themselves to get too comfortable with their winning streak, and keep on pushing themselves to get better.
“We have got to keep getting better, we can’t be satisfied with where we are,” he said.
Noah Thornbrugh led the Cubs with 18 points, followed by Tanner McNutt with 14. Thornbrugh led the team in rebounds as well, with six boards. Nathan Whitcomb had four steals and six assists.
As a team, the Cubs hit 24 for 44 from the field (55 percent), and went 5 for 11 from the line (45 percent). They turned over the ball five times.
Our assist to turnover ratio is back where it needs to be, we are playing unselfish basketball all around,” Taylor said.
The Cubs play Eureka at home on Tuesday. Their win against the Red Devils keeps their record perfect at 14-0, 2-0 in Tri-Valley League play.
Erie (5-5-10-7—27)
Humboldt (16-19-18-6—59)
Erie (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Page 0-2-3-2, Leagenbauer 2-0-3-4, Thompson 1/2-0-08, Treadway 1-4-3-6, Maurer 0-1-1-1, Murphy 1-2-4-4, Beachner 1-0-0-2. TOTALS: 6/2-9-14-27.
Humboldt (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Vanatta 2-0-1-4, McNutt 5/1-1-1-14, Murrow 2/1-0-0-7, Whitcomb 2-0-1-4, Sellman 1/1-0-0-5, Aguirre 0-0-1-3-1, Crawford 0-0-1-0, Johnson 0/2-0-0-6, Thornbrugh 6/1-3-1-18. TOTALS: 18/6-5-8-59).
Defense paves way for Humboldt
