HUMBOLDT Humboldt Highs Lady Cubs took another successful step in the learning process Friday.
While their offense wasnt always clicking, the Lady Cubs stayed strong on defense, throttling Erie 46-31 in the third and final round of Humboldts preseason tournament.
Were still so young, theres lot of learning, lots of teachable moments, Humboldt head coach Aubrey Jones said. Were getting better game by game.
Humboldt was sparked early by Winter Snyder, who drained a pair of first-quarter 3-pointers.
The offense ran in bits and spurts from there, but Erie was unable to crack the Humboldt defense to get close.
They did a good job of talking and staying together, Jones. There are a couple of things we need to work on, like boxing out. But they did a good job of helping each other out and covering each other.
Snyder and Jada Dangerfield each scored 13 to lead the Lady Cubs. Skylar Clevenger scored nine to pace Erie.
Humboldt (2-2) returns to action at home next Friday against Neodesha.
Thursday
Humboldt 61, Crest 32
A hotly contested first half quickly turned in favor of the hosts during a dominant third quarter for Humboldt.
The Lady Cubs outscored Crest 19-2 in the period, turning a 25-21 margin into a 44-23 whitewash.
In the second half, we just had a little bit more intensity, Jones said. We were running harder and being more aggressive.
Snyder and Dangerfield were the primary catalysts, racking up 19 and 18 points, respectively. Tack on Jessica Myers 10 points, and the trio had 47 of the Lady Cubs 61 points.
They blew up, which is what I expect from them, Jones said. This should be a good confidence-booster for Jess.
Crest head coach Megan Mason noted fatigue and foul trouble played a factor for the Lady Lancers.
By the third quarter, we were really tired, Mason said. When we get tired, we dont want to move as much.
Still, Mason said Crests performance and effort were markedly improved from their loss Tuesday against Erie.