Melodie Phelps, News Editor
Monticello — The Monticello Trojans hosted Jackson County in their home opener on
Friday, December 4. Monticello was looking to bounce back from a 3-point
loss they suffered to Model on Tuesday night. Jackson County was looking for
their first win of the season as well, after suffering a 63-59 loss to
Owsley County earlier in the week.
Besides opening the home season, this game was also a celebration for
Monticello High School, as they welcomed back the Trojan Team of 1960, which
finished as state runners-up. Several members of the team were recognized
before the large crowd of fans Friday night.
And they had a lot more to celebrate as the Trojans took the early lead
and held on to claim a 66-50 win over Jackson County.
"I was very pleased with the way our kids competed tonight," said
Monticello coach Trevis Upchurch. "We played hard and for the most part our
intensity was much better than the first game."
Monticello took the quick lead in this one, and was up 14-8 at the stop.
Both teams scored 14 points in the second stanza, as the Trojans maintained
a 28-22 lead at the half.
The Trojans led 40-30 at the end of the third quarter. They put up 26
points in the final quarter to ice the win.
"We executed better offensively and did a pretty good job of taking care
of the ball," said Upchurch.
Derrick Peyton scored 25 points and Chase Lowe scored 24 to lead the
Trojans. Also in double figures was Austin Foster with 10 points.
From the field, Monticello hit 15 of 39 for 38 percent. They were 6 of
15 from behind the arc for 40 percent. From the free throw line, the Trojans
were 18 of 27 for 66 percent.
With the win, Monticello improved to 1-1 on the season.
They were back in action on Tuesday night, when Southwestern visited the
MHS gymnasium.
See next week's edition for game details.