The Monticello Sages continued their strong start to the season on Saturday afternoon, rolling to a dominant 69–34 home victory over the Sullivan Redskins (5–5) at the Sievers Center. The win improves Monticello to 5–1 on the young season and showcased the Sages’ depth, defense, and energy from start to finish.
Monticello set the tone early and never looked back, controlling the game on both ends of the floor. Matthias Rudolph led all scorers with 18 points, providing a steady offensive presence throughout the afternoon. Ayden McCool added 11 points, while Sullivan’s Drayden Watkins was the only Redskin in double figures, finishing with 10.
While the offense was efficient, it was the Sages’ defense that truly stole the show. Luke Murphy anchored a relentless defensive effort, leading the team with three steals as Monticello forced Sullivan into 20 turnovers, including 12 steals. That pressure consistently turned defense into offense and kept the game firmly in the Sages’ control.
Monticello’s depth also played a major role, as the bench contributed 23 points in a game that was never seriously in doubt. The Sievers Center crowd was treated to a highlight late in the fourth quarter when C.J. Fisher attacked the lane and delivered a slick no-look pass to Conner Wallen, who buried a clean three-pointer that sent the gym into a frenzy — the kind of moment that would have even Dick Vitale exclaiming, “It’s awesome, baby!”
The Sages will next host the Holiday Hoopla Tournament following Christmas. Monticello opens tournament play on Friday, December 26, against Neoga at 11:30 a.m., followed by a matchup with GCMS at 7:30 p.m. Pool play concludes on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. against Ridgeview (Colfax), with the final opponent to be determined based on pool results. All boys’ games will be played at the Sievers Center.