LA CYGNE — Humboldt High’s basketball squad thrived this year with an attacking defense and converting missed shots and turnovers into easy layups.
The tables were turned, however, on Thursday, when Girard gave the Cubs a taste of what it’s like on the other side.
“We like speed, but we’re not as fast as the Girard Trojans,” Humboldt head coach David Taylor said. “That sped us up, and it caused us not to shoot well. And sometimes those things just snowball.”
The Trojans limited Humboldt to 31% shooting and forced 26 turnovers in a 60-28 romp.
The loss, coming in the Class 3A Substate Semifinals, ends Humboldt’s season at 13-8.
Elsewhere, Crest High’s boys also saw their season come to an end in the Class 1A-I substate semifinals with a 76-19 loss to Olpe.
On Friday, Southern Coffey County High’s girls were to take on Lebo in Class 1A-II semifinal action, while Yates Center was slated to take on Southeast.
They’d be hard pressed to find a defense as smothering as what Girard displayed.
“We tried to slow down their transition, but their transition is so fast,” Taylor said. “You saw the first three possessions, they were off to the races.”
The Trojans scored the game’s first seven points, and then after Humboldt’s Trey Sommer scored on consecutive possessions, Girard proceeded to hold the Cubs scoreless for the next 8 minutes of game time.
Gavin Page scored with 3:08 left in the half for Humboldt to end a 26-0 Girard run.
Humboldt received a lift from sophomore reserve Sam Hull in the second half. Hull scored all eight of his points in the third, including a steal and layup late in the period.
Hull shared scoring honors with Sommer, who wound up with eight points, four rebounds, two steals and two assists. Colden Cook pulled in four rebounds. Drew Wilhite had three steals, three assists and two blocks.
Thursday’s loss marks the end of the high school basketball road for Wilhite, Page, Levi McGowen and Colton Slocum. 
“I appreciate all of them for sticking with it,” Taylor said. “It can be tough, but I appreciate them all. It’s sad they’re done, but unless you win the big one — unless you get first or third in the state – you’re gonna end with a loss.”
