Double Overtime Drama Ends in Taylorville Upset at Monticello

Both teams entered the contest coming off losses on Thursday night and looking to bounce back. From the opening tip, it was clear neither side was going to give an inch. The first quarter ended in a 9–9 tie, setting the tone for a tightly contested game. The Sages managed to take a slim two-point lead into the locker room at halftime, and in the third quarter they briefly created some separation before the Tornadoes clawed their way back. By the end of the period, the game was knotted at 36 heading into the fourth.

Defense ruled in the final eight minutes of regulation, as both teams were held to just four points. It appeared Taylorville had secured the win when McKynlee Siempelkamp scored on a putback with time remaining, but the basket was waved off when officials ruled the clock had started late. That sent the game into a four-minute overtime.

The first extra session mirrored the rest of the afternoon—back-and-forth with no one able to land the decisive blow. A last-second half-court attempt by Taylorville fell short, pushing the contest into a second overtime. This time, the Tornadoes finally found daylight. Monticello managed just one free throw, while Taylorville scored four points to escape with a hard-fought 51–48 victory.

Monticello was led by Ali Weidner, who recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, her sixth straight game in double figures since returning from illness. Emma Arnold and Kiara Grace added seven points apiece, with Arnold also pulling down eight rebounds.

Taylorville was paced by Nora Thomas with 13 points and Peyton DeMichael with 12, while McKynlee Siempelkamp and Julie Wayman each added seven. Wayman also delivered what may have been the best screen the Tornadoes have seen all season, freeing up a key basket during the overtime run.

The Sages now look ahead to a crucial stretch as postseason play approaches. Monticello returns to Illini Prairie Conference action Tuesday against Paxton-Buckley-Loda (6–14, 1–3 IPC), followed by a home matchup Friday with Unity (9–12, 3–2 IPC). The week concludes Saturday at the Seneca Shootout with a 2:30 p.m. game against the Fighting Irish (8–14, 1–3 Tri-County). Monticello is seeking its eighth straight win over PBL dating back to November 2022 and its first back-to-back wins over Unity since a seven-game streak from 2015–2019. According to MaxPreps, Saturday’s matchup with Seneca will be the first meeting between the two programs.

Taylorville also faces a busy week ahead with back-to-back games. The Tornadoes travel to Mahomet-Seymour (13–11, 4–2 Apollo) on Friday for a conference rematch after falling 61–37 in December, then return home to “The Dolph” on Saturday to take on Normal University (11–12, 4–2 CS8). Taylorville is 2–0 all-time against the Pioneers.

Coverage continues Friday night, with Jack on the call for Taylorville at Mahomet-Seymour and Lyman covering the renewed rivalry as Monticello hosts Tolono Unity.