HUMBOLDT It was hard to tell which pleased David Taylor more.
Was it Humboldt Highs stingy defense that fed the Cub offense to a number of game-changing runs against visiting Crest? Or was it Humboldts unselfish offense, moving the ball effectively to keep the Lancer defense off balance as part of a balanced scoring attack?
Truth is, he probably doesnt much care, as long as both are clicking like they were in Thursdays 62-40 victory in the second round of the Emprise Bank Preseason Tournament.
What I really liked was it looked like what weve done in years past, Taylor said. Our defense and rebounding feeds what were doing on offense. On offense, were reversing the ball and making their defense scramble. I was very pleased.
The Cubs took control from the start, putting together an 18-5 run over a 6-minute span in the first quarter, including a pair of 3-pointers from Caleb Coronado.
Isiah Coronados trey with 3:35 left in the half pushed the margin to 32-11. Bo Bigelow , meanwhile, ended the half with a flourish, converting a layup and 3-pointer in the final minute to give Humboldt a 41-17 lead at the break.
They played very unselfishly, Taylor said. It was very evident.
The look from Crests perspective was decidedly different.
Im disappointed in tonight, Crest head coach Travis Hermreck said. I knew Humboldt was good, and we knew coming in would be difficult. But I really thought we were at that point that we were ready to compete. But we didnt play hard, and we didnt play together. That was the whole theme of everything. We havent all bought in yet, and until we do, its going to be a struggle.
Crests Jacob Holloran gave the Lancers a second-half spark, scoring 12 of his game-high 15 points after the break. But it was too little, too late., Humboldt led 58-27 after three periods, triggering a running clock through the fourth quarter.
Crest ended the game with a flourish, outscoring Humboldts reserves 13-4 over the final eight minutes. Hayden Hermreck wound up with 14 points for the Lancers, his final two coming on one of more spectacular high school dunks in recent memory. (He was forced to hang onto the rim for an extended period to avoid landing on a pair of Cub defenders.)
Meanwhile, Humboldt had 10 players score, led by Bigelows 14 points. Conor Haviland added 11 points, five boards, three steals and three assists. Caleb Coronado had 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Teryn Johnson had four steals and four assistss.
Bo Bigelow played very well, and Teryn Johnson did some nice things, Taylor said. He didnt force the issue. We were in good rhythm on offense.
Humboldt wraps up tournament play tonight against Erie. Crest plays Uniontown.
Thursday
Crest (7-10-10-1340) (FG/3pt): T. Hermreck 0-0-2-0, Nolan 1-0-3-2, H. Hermreck 2/2-4-1-14, Prasko 1-0-0-2, Holoran 4/2-1-2-15, Beckmon 2-3-2-7. TOTALS: 10/4-8-10-40.
