HUMBOLDT — A few halftime tweaks and a renewed vigor on defense paid off handsomely for Humboldt High Tuesday.
The Cubs outscored visiting Bluestem 19-11 through the third quarter to extend a 12-point lead, and then slammed the door completely down the stretch. Humboldt ended the game with 17 straight points to turn a tussle into a 70-33 blowout.
The Cubs (16-2) remain atop the standings in their Class 3A Sub-State bracket, one game ahead of West Franklin and 1.5 games head of Wellsville.
Humboldt has two regular season games remaining, Thursday at home against Fredonia (11-6) and next Tuesday at Yates Center (2-16).
The key to victory Tuesday came as Humboldt adjusted its defense to slow Bluestem’s outside shooting. The Lions hit five 3-pointers, Cub head coach David Taylor noted.
And stop us if you’ve heard this before, but Humboldt’s imposing post players, Sam Hull and Colden Cook, controlled the action close to the basket.
Both pulled in double-doubles to lead the way. Hull had 21 points and 10 rebounds; Cook had 20 points and 10 boards. He also had four assists and three steals.
But their offense was made possible by Humboldt’s defense, which in turn fed to a devastating transition game.
Mason Sterling came off the bench to score eight points, with five rebounds and four steals. Blake Ellis scored seven, with six assists and two steals.
Asher Hart also proved integral to the process, with five assists and five steals.
Logan Page and Avery Works both had two steals, as did Hull.
“The guys did a nice job of making adjustments,” Taylor said. “We were able to come out in the third quarter and control the tempo.”
Brayson Mohr scored 10 to pace Bluestem.
FG/3pt FT F TP
Bluestem (11-11-11-0—33)
