Monticello handles McCreary Central 51-37

By MELODIE PHELPS

News Editor

            Winning your district games at home. That was the goal for the Lady Trojans as they entered action last week. They emerged with a perfect 2-0 district mark and 5-1 overall.

            The first task was handling the Lady Raiders, which Monticello took care of Monday, December 10. The Lady Trojans took a 51-37 win in the game. It was a typical Monticello-McCreary Central game, not the prettiest to watch. But it was a sweet win for the Lady Trojans who had watched their hopes of a regional tournament appearance disappear at McCreary Central back in March.

            Monticello led by only two points with about three minutes left in the game, but the Lady Trojans sank some key free throws and found the mark late to push ahead for the double digit win.

            “McCreary Central does a good job in that matchup zone,” noted MHS Coach Stewart Gregory.

            Overall, Gregory was pleased with the way his team played. The Lady Trojans were 12 for 15 from the free line for 80 percent, which the coach praised. He also noted that Ashley Bell did a good job on the boards for Monticello, pulling down 11 of the team's 21 rebounds.

            Gregory also pointed out the defensive effort of Wendy Parnell, who pinned down McCreary Central's Sumner.

            “Wendy only scored three points, but she played a great game for us,” said Gregory. “She held Sumner, their best post player, to only six points.”

            Overall the Lady Trojan defense smothered the Lady Raiders offense. Monticello gave up only 10 field goals in the game.

            “It was another good effort,” said Gregory. “We got some good play out of our younger kids, and we need their scoring off the bench.”

            Monticello led by two, 12-10, at the end of the first quarter, and went up by three, 22-19, at the half.

            It remained close in the third quarter, and Monticello had the one point edge, 30-29, going into the final eight minutes.

            The Lady Trojans were led by Sarah Beaty and Ashley Bell, both with 16 points.

            Next up for Monticello was a Thursday night game against Russell County.