JV splits River Valley games


Tony Wallerich of Monticello brings the ball up the court during the Panthers’ JV boys basketball game against Northeast Jan. 13. (Photo by Pete Temple)
BOYS BASKETBALL

     The Monticello junior varsity boys basketball team earned a split in River Valley Conference play, losing to Northeast of Goose Lake at home and picking up a road win at West Liberty.

     The Northeast game, Jan. 13, was effectively decided in the first six minutes of the game as the Rebels raced to a 16-3 lead over a Panther team depleted by influenza and injury. For the last three quarters the two teams battled one another evenly. Monticello made several runs at the Rebels, but each time three-point shooting and free throws held off the Panthers. Try as it might, Monticello fell 46-35 to a solid Northeast Rebel team. Juniors Kegan Arduser and Ryan Manternach volunteered to fill in for the missing regulars and both turned in solid performances. Kegan exploded for 12 second half points, sharing scoring honors with Will Rieniets, who also had 12 points.

     The following day, Monticello traveled to West Liberty to meet the Comets. The Panthers used a full court zone press and half-court traps to disrupt and confuse the Comets. West Liberty turnovers accounted for several transition baskets. Monticello played well throughout. The Panthers won every quarter and cruised to 40-26 victory. The trio of Tony Wallerich, Will Rieniets and Kegan Arduser poured in 10 points each.

     Coach Steve Rucker commented, “Kegan’s and Ryan’s contributions this week for the JV program were extremely important. They not only played very well, kept us competitive, but they also served as excellent examples to our younger players. It was also a welcome chance for me to have them as players again.”

     The Panthers are 5-5 in the River Valley Conference, 5-6 overall.

– Steve Rucker, head coach

 

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