HUMBOLDT — Humboldt High’s boys weathered some torrid early shooting from Bluestem Tuesday.
The visiting Lions hit five 3-pointers in the first quarter and poured in 23 points.
Undaunted, the Cubs offered up some fireworks of their own.
Senior Drew Wilhite countered with 11 of his team high 22 points in the first eight minutes as Humboldt stayed in front, 27-23.
Despite a few lapses from there, the Cubs were able to pull away at the end, winning 72-63.
“I was really pleased with how we weathered the storm early,” Cub head coach David Taylor said. “The way they were shooting, we could have been run out of the gym.”
Wilhite wasn’t the only offensive standout for Humboldt.
Trey Sommer chipped in with 17 points on 8 of 10 shooting, Colden Cook went 6 of 7 from the floor to score 14, and Gavin Page chipped in with 13.
As a team, the Cubs shot 63 percent from the floor.
But that offensive efficiency was anything from flawless, Taylor noted.
Humboldt committed 20 turnovers, allowing Bluestem to stay within arm’s reach throughout, Taylor noted.
The Cubs (7-3) opened up a 46-34 lead at the break, but third-quarter miscues allowed Bluestem to close the deficit to 56-49 by the start of the fourth period.
“A lot of our turnovers were unforced,” Taylor said. “We gave them some life, but the kids battled through it. It was good to see the balanced scoring we had.”
Levi McGowen added eight rebounds and five assists and four points for Humboldt. Wilhite, who averages nearly four steals a game, had seven against the Lions. Wilhite also dished out seven assists. Sommer pulled in six rebounds.
In junior varsity play, Cook equalled Bluestem’s entire offensive output, scoring 16 points in a 42-16 romp.
Humboldt also won, 15-8, in the C team contest. Avery Works led with five.
