By: Matt Scher, [email protected]
Humboldt, IA – Two years ago, Humboldt swept the regular season against Algona only to have heartbreak in the Substate Semifinals against the Bulldogs in a 70-64 home loss (Feb. 23, 2023) that led to Algona qualifying for the 2023 State Tournament.
The first postseason meeting between the two North Central Conference rivals since the 2023 matchup would end differently in the 3A-2 First Round in 2025, as Humboldt won in a 90-48 rout Monday night, their largest margin of victory against Algona since a 98-62 win over the Bulldogs on Jan. 23, 2024. The win is the 10th for Humboldt in the last 11 meetings of the Battle of Highway 169.
After jumping out to a 47-29 lead at halftime, Humboldt did not let up in the second half, leading by 21 going into the fourth quarter and holding Algona to just six points in the final stanza.
Humboldt was paced by Elliot Carlson with 29 points. Also in double figures for Humboldt were Coen Matson with 15, Chase Flaherty with 13, and Jackson Dodd with 11. As a team, Humboldt had 13 made three-pointers. Algona’s Ben Helmers recorded 26 points with Nathan Manske scoring 11.
Humboldt Head Boys’ Basketball Coach Jason Thurm on the big win.
With the win, three seed Humboldt improves to 15-7 and heads to two seed Gilbert (14-8) for the 3A-2 Semifinals on Thursday. Algona ends the 2024-25 season at 8-14.
Thurm on the matchup Thursday night.
The other side of the 3A-2 bracket features top seed Storm Lake (20-1) hosting four seed Carroll (10-12) on Thursday.
Both semifinal games will tip at 7 p.m. on Thursday. The 3A-2 Finals take place Monday, March 3.