HMS Cubs split with Galesburg

HUMBOLDT — The Humboldt Middle School’s boys basketball teams split with Galesburg on Thursday night. The A team won 33-32. The B team fell 21-17.

The Cubs came out on fire in the A game, with hot shooting and a sizable rebounding advantage, leading to extra shots. Humboldt led 19-12 at the half.

Galesburg came roaring back in the second half with an 11-point fourth quarter. The Timberwolves edged ahead, but Humboldt answered with a 6-0 run to regain the lead.

Galesburg wasn’t done yet. 

The Timberwolves scored again, and took the upper hand with less than a minute left. 

That’s when Humboldt’s Mason Sterling came through in the clutch, hitting a jumper while getting fouled for the and-one. Sterling made the ensuing free throw and gave the Cubs the lead for good.

The Cubs dominated the defensive boards, 25 to 5.

Creed Shannon was perfect shooting, going 5-5 from the field with 11 points and two rebounds.

Braxton Gray had eight points and three rebounds. Grady Elder had six points. Sterling and Collin Cook each had five points. Sterling pulled in 10 rebounds. Layne Ellison had four points. Hudson Rees had two points. 

In B game action, Humboldt came out strong, putting up shots and controlling the floor. 

The Cub defense held Galesburg scoreless in the first quarter, allowing Humboldt to open up a lead. The Wolves picked up some steam in the second quarter, slicing Humboldt’s lead to 14-7 at the half.

Galesburg came out hot in the third quarter, taking the lead with a 14-1 run.

Despite holding Galesburg scoreless in the fourth quarter, the Cubs still fell, due in part to its own offensive struggles. Humboldt scored only three points after the break.

Thatcher Mueller scored seven points with five rebounds. Elder had six points. Carson Russell and Avion Seamster each had one. Humboldt had 39 rebounds in the game.

Humboldt is back in action Monday at home against Cherryvale.