HUMBOLDT — Crest High’s Lancers got the handle on things in the second half of Friday’s game against Uniontown High’s Eagles.
On the line was the Humboldt High Preseason Tournament title. The Lancers were 2-0 in tournament play and the Eagles were 1-1.
The Lancers won the tournament with a 34-29 victory. The teams were locked in a 19-19 halftime tie.
“Our kids gutted it out again. We have a bunch of sick kids that came out and got things done in the second half,” said Travis Hermreck, Crest head coach.
“In the first half, I felt like Uniontown dominated us on the boards. They got a lot of second and third opportunities at the basket.”
Hermreck said that changed in the second half as the Lancers limited the Eagles to “one shot and done” trips more often than not.
Crest outscored Uniontown 7-3 in the third quarter to take the lead. The Lancers held an 8-7 scoring edge in the final eight minutes.
Kyle Hammond fired in 20 points to lead all scorers. He was 4 of 5 from the free-throw line for the Lancers, who were just 6 of 7 as a team.
Brenton Esslinger led the Eagles with nine points. The Eagles were 6 of 7 at the line.
“We had our chances down the stretch and they (Crest) executed better,” said Nathan Hinrichs, Eagle head coach. “We need to learn from this and get better.”
Crest (4-1) continues on the road Tuesday to wind up pre-Christmas play. They play at Central Heights.
Uniontown (2-2) also is on the road with games at St. Paul and Pleasanton, Tuesday and Friday, respectively.
Crest (2-17-7-8—34) (FG/3-pt): Wiley 1-0-1-2, Morton 0/1-2-2-5, Hammond 5/2-4-2-20, Brallier 1-0-0-2, Decker 1/1-0-2-5, J. Bowen 0-0-1-0, Ramsey 0-0-1-0. TOTALS: 8/4-6-11-34.
Uniontown (7-12-3-7—29) (FG/3-pt): Ramsey 3-0-3-6, Travis 1-3-3-5, Wiley 1-2-3-4, Kuns 0/1-0-3-3, Robinson 1-0-0-2, Esslinger 4-1-2-9. TOTALS: 10/1-6-14-29.
Lancers win HHS tourney title
