Cubs stay perfect on season

CHERRYVALE — One more goal down, a few mighty big ones to go.
Humboldt High secured a perfect regular-season mark in dominating fashion Tuesday, outscoring host Cherryvale High 30-4 after one quarter.
The Cubs cruised from there, wrapping up its undefeated regular season with a 70-35 victory.
Humboldt (20-0) is assured of the top spot in the Class 3A Substate Playoffs, which begin next week, most likely against Jayhawk-Linn. Official announcements were to be made today by the Kansas State High School Activities Association.
“I’m just so proud of the guys,” Cubs coach David Taylor said. “I was happy to see such high energy and excitement for each other.”
Humboldt opened the game on the 30-4 run before extending the lead to 50-18 at halftime.
“That’s probably the best half we’ve played all season,” Taylor said, a scary prospect for upcoming foes in the postseason. The Cubs received contributions up and down its lineup, from its front-line stars to a number of key reserves.
“To see that many players with statistics scattered around shows just how unselfish they played,” Taylor said.
Tanner McNutt led the way with 17 points, while Noah Thornbrugh chipped in with 14. Caleb Vanatta had 13 points and six rebounds, while Hunter Murrow had seven points, six rebounds, five steals and three assists. Nathan Whitcomb scored 12 points — all in the first half — to go with three assists. Trey Johnson also dished out three assists.
“We switched some things up on defense a couple of times,” Taylor said. “We tried the press some, and it led to some easy baskets as well.”
Dakota Trout scored eight to pace the Chargers.
With the regular season out of the way, Taylor said his team can set its sights on substate, and perhaps beyond.
“I think if we continue going with this level of energy and unselfishness, we could have a successful week next week,” Taylor said.
But the Cubs should also appreciate going undefeated during the regular season, he added.
“To go 20-0 and win the (Tri-Valley) League outright is something they can remember for the rest of their lives,” he said. “I think it’s a testament to how hard these kids have worked, and how willing they’ve been to accept instruction. I know I’m not the easiest guy to get along with, but the kids have done a great job.”
Humboldt’s junior varsity and C teams also won.
The Cub JV won 70-43. Markiz Pulliam scored 17 points, while Caleb D’Armond had 15.
In C team action, the Cubs rolled to a 55-35 win behind Ryan Huse’s 12 points.
On the girls side, Cherryvale emerged with a 60-31 victory.
Cherryvale scored 28 points in the first quarter, Lady Cub coach Sherri Nelson noted.
“Then we got into the game,” and only allowed 32 points the three remaining quarters, she said. “We have to play from start to finish to be competitive.”
Sheri Middleton led Humboldt’s girls with 12 points, six rebounds and six blocks. Brea Kline followed with nine points, two blocks and two steals. Lakota Wilson chipped in with five points, five rebounds and three steals. Delaney Umholtz had four points and four rebounds. Whitney Strack scored a point.
The Lady Cubs’ first-round matchup at substate also will be announced today.
Humboldt (30-20-9-11—70)
Cherryvale (4-14-11-6—35)
Humboldt (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Vanatta 5-3-2-13, McNutt 4/2-3-4-17, Murrow 2/1-0-1-7, Whitcomb 5-2-1-12, Sellman 1-0-0-2, Crawford 1-2-0-4, Johnson 0-1-4-1, Thornbrugh 4/1-3-3-14. TOTALS: 32/4-14-15-70.
Cherryvale (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Anderson 2-0-2-4, T. Robertson 0-2-1-2, Trim 1-2-1-4, Raida 1-0-1-2, Thornton 1-2-3-4, John 2-0-2-4, D. Robinson 0/1-2-4-5, Trout 3-2-2-8, D. Robertson 0-2-1-2. TOTALS: 10/1-12-17-35.