HUMBOLDT — Not being able to get the basketball much past half court, Humboldt High’s Lady Cubs hit a wall Tuesday at home.
Playing without their starting guard duo, the Lady Cubs had trouble handling the pressure brought to bear by Caney Valley High’s Lady Bullpups. The Bullpups claimed a 54-18 win in Tri-Valley League play.
“Our point guard and shooting guard are out with concussions. We have girls playing in roles they’re not used to and it makes it hard to get the ball down the court,” said Sherri Nelson, Humboldt High head coach.
Humboldt was held scoreless in the first quarter and had very few scoring opportunities against Caney Valley’s defense. Facing a 14-0 deficit, the Lady Cubs outscored the Lady Bullpups 6-3 in the first two minutes of the second period.
The Lady Cubs got two baskets from freshman Breanna Kline and a bucket by senior Kindahl Young. It was 17-6 at the 6:11 mark.
Humboldt didn’t score again until there were 2:29 left in the half. Sophomore Sheri Middleton hit both ends of a one-and-one to make it 28-8. Caney Valley led 32-8 at intermission.
Humboldt was without point guard Whitney Strack and shooting guard Taylyn Wells. Both suffered concussions in Humboldt’s 80-18 loss at Burlington last Friday.
The Lady Bullpups fired in 16 unanswered to open the third quarter. Middleton’s basket at the 2:40 mark broke an eight-minute scoring lull for Humboldt.
Caney Valley was up 51-14 heading into the fourth quarter, triggering a running clock.
“Yes, we had a couple of good minutes in the second quarter. But our moments have to stop being just moments in games,” Nelson said.
“Once we do that, we’ll get some wins coming our way. The girls are battling and we are getting better.”
Kline and Middleton led the Lady Cubs with eight points each. Humboldt was 4 of 7 from the free-throw line.
Caney Valley cashed in on 14 of 22 free throw attempts. Desiree Nelson and Makenzie Vining had 11 points apiece for the Lady Bullpups.
Humboldt dropped to 2-14 overall and 0-10 in the Tri-Valley. The Lady Cubs travel to Yates Center in league play Friday.
Next week, the Lady Cubs are at home twice — against Cherryvale Tuesday and against Eureka next Friday for the HHS Sweetheart game.
