The Webster City boys put a cap on 2024 in a big way here Friday night, besting Algona in North Central Conference play, 54-47.

A 35-point second half helped the Lynx (3-3 overall, 2-1 in league) erase an early deficit, as three players reached double figures.

Cole Miller scored 13, Luke Firsching had 12 and Conner Peck added 10 as the Webster City defense held Ben Helmers, one of the top scorers in the NCC, to nine points on 4 of 10 shooting from the field.

Jacob Burns led the Bulldogs (2-3, 0-2) with 16, hitting four 3-pointers. Nathan Manske added eight points.

“We knew going into the game, defending Helmers was going to be a key,” WCHS head coach Brett Ratcliff said. “We were able to make things difficult for him at time and it helped to get him in foul trouble. I was proud of how the kids responded after a poor effort on Tuesday. That is a testament to their character and the type of kids we have in that locker room.”

Gavin Griffith came off the bench to record a team-high six rebounds with Jaxon Griffin adding six points, three steals, three boards and two assists. Carter Mickelson added eight points, three assists and two steals.

Peck was an efficient 4 of 5 from the field and hit his only 3-point attempt with Miller hitting three triples and Mickelson two.

“It was a great way to end our pre-Christmas schedule,” Ratcliff said. “We look forward to continuing to improve each and every day.”

Algona had won each of the last three meetings in the series, including a 56-41 victory last season and a three-point win.

Webster City returns to the court in 2025 when they head to Manson Northwest Webster on Friday, Jan. 3. The next home game will be on Tuesday, Jan. 7 vs. co-NCC leader Clear Lake.