The Monticello Sages improved to 7-3 on the season with a hard-fought 39-33 victory over Warrensburg-Latham Thursday night. It was a tightly contested matchup from start to finish, with neither team able to create much separation until the closing minutes.
Monticello held a slim two-point edge after the first quarter before trailing by two at halftime. The Sages responded coming out of the break, reclaiming a two-point lead after three quarters and finishing strong by outscoring the Cardinals 9-5 in the fourth to secure the six-point win.
Junior guard Ali Weidner led the way for Monticello with an all-around performance, scoring 13 points while adding five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks. Emma Arnold also reached double figures, finishing with 10 points on an efficient 5-for-6 shooting night. Arnold chipped in seven rebounds and two steals to help anchor the Sages on both ends of the floor.
Despite struggling from beyond the arc—going 0-for-6 from three-point range, an uncommon sight for the Sages—Monticello found enough offense inside and at the free-throw line to pull out the win.
Warrensburg-Latham, now 5-7, spread the scoring across the lineup with five different players finding the basket. Abby Andricks led the Cardinals with 10 points, while Krissy Wilber followed with eight in the loss.
Monticello will hit the road Saturday morning for an 11:30 a.m. matchup against St. Teresa (Decatur) before returning home to host the Annual Holiday Hoopla Tournament in Miller Gym. The Sages open tournament play Friday, December 26, against Neoga at 10:00 a.m. and Tuscola at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Saturday, December 27 contest with Tri-Valley at 2:00 p.m. A final game on Monday will be determined by pool play results.
Lexi Leatherwood with a smooth layup for the Sages
Ali Weidner with the BLOCK for Monticello