Panthers return after long layoff

     After 15 days with four games cancelled and only one opportunity to practice due to two weeks of unrelenting bad weather, the Monticello junior varsity boys basketball season resumed Feb. 1 with a home game against the Cascade Cougars, and lost 43-40.

     This game was a virtual repeat of the Panthers 42-38 loss to this same Cougar team Jan. 4. After a back-and-forth first half that saw the Panthers leading 21-17 at the intermission, the Panther defense gave up 14 third quarter points. In the fourth quarter a Panther comeback was thwarted in part by poor shooting and the loss of Monticello posts Reid Barnhart and Grahm Schneiter due to injury and fouls as Cascade controlled the boards.

     The Panthers had one last opportunity to gain a tie at the end of regulation, but Ty Kehoe’s long three-point attempt caromed off the front of the rim. Riley Manternach led the Panthers with 12 points. Freshman Trey Cooper turned in a strong performance adding 10 points.

     The team’s record is now 8-6 in the River Valley Conference and 9-6 overall.

 – Steve Rucker, head coach