EUREKA — The Humboldt High boys and girls basketball teams began their season against Eureka on Friday night.
The Humboldt boys (1-0) used tough defense and scoring from a few main contributors to win, 62-29, while the Lady Cubs (0-1) lost due to lackluster defense and a lack of offensive threats, 61-29.
Boys Basketball
The Cubs scored with ease underneath the basket and played well enough defensively to earn a 33-point victory.
Humboldt began strong when Colden Cook hit four two-pointers. Sam Hull and Blake Ellis also netted a few first quarter two-pointers.
“I thought we were pretty crisp in running our offense, especially this early,” said Humboldt head coach David Taylor. “In the first half I thought we played unselfishly and then we cranked the intensity up in the second half. We also didn’t turn the ball over a lot.”
Humboldt held Eureka to six points in the first quarter, before limiting the Tornadoes’ damage to only four in the third quarter.
Trey Sommer helped the Cubs pull away even more in the second half when he went up for 11 points, part of a four-basket second quarter performance. Mateo Miller and Cook also went up for two-pointers in the second quarter.
“They’re unselfishness and their ability to run the offense they want to run are critical,” Taylor said. “They didn’t stray and get off the beaten path. I was really pleased with how they are disciplined in what we’re trying to do as a basketball program.”
The Tornadoes made six shots in the first half between three scorers.
Humboldt led Eureka at halftime, 36-18.
The trio of Sommer, Cook and Hull led the Cubs offensively. In the second half Humboldt outscored the Tornadoes, 21-4. Cook scored four two-pointers while Sommer netted nine points in the third quarter alone to take a 57-22 advantage heading to the fourth.
“I think if they continue to do the things they’re doing, they’ll continue to win,” said Taylor. “If we rebound and play defense we’ll win. If they work together and put the team first, they’ll win some ball games.”
Mason Sterling and Hull each scored baskets and Humboldt earned a 33-point season opening victory.
“We did a good job communicating. We hang our hats on defense and rebounding. They’re still trying to find their offense and they have a new coach. We pressured the ball when we needed to and that gave them some trouble.”
