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Trojans take Danville to overtime before losing 66-60 GREG RANKIN Sports Writer The Monticello Trojans traveled to Lincoln County Tuesday night, March 8. Monticello played the Danville Admirals in the first round of the 12th Region Tournament. The Trojans were an unlikely tournament team and were up against the Danville Admirals, winners of the 45th District Tournament. Danville had a 22-6 record coming into the regional tournament after defeating Boyle County in the finals of their district tournament. The Trojans had a 16-11 record after district tournament play. Danville advanced to the second round of the 12th Regional Tournament by defeating the Trojans in an overtime thriller Tuesday night. The final score was Danville 66, Monticello 60. Monticello started the game Tuesday night with a hot hand from the floor. The Trojans shot 61 percent from the field during the first half. Monticello also handled the Admirals full court pressure without any major problems and turned it against the Admirals on several occasions. The Trojans were able to get several easy lay-ups against Danvillešs press early in the game. At the end of the first quarter, the Trojans had built a seven point lead, 22-15, over the Admirals. Monticello continued to control the gamešs tempo throughout the second quarter and stretched their lead to as much as thirteen points late in the quarter, but Danville was able to score four points in the closing seconds and cut into the lead just before halftime. At the half, the score was Monticello 37, Danville 28. Monticello continued to lead throughout the third quarter. Danville was able to make a couple runs against the Trojans, but they fought them off and remained ahead after three quarters. Monticello led the Admirals 50-44 going into the final quarter. Monticellošs starting point guard Michael Borden went down with an injury at the end of the third quarter and was only able to return for about 20 seconds in the fourth quarter. The injury was later diagnosed as a torn ACL. The Trojans missed their primary ball handler during the fourth quarter and eventually overtime. Monticello was still able to hold on to the lead during most of the fourth quarter and had a chance to win the game in regulation. Danville had possession of the ball with 30 seconds to go, trailing 58-56. The Admirals eventually took a shot from the left corner after almost losing possession of the ball. When the shot bounced off, one of Danvillešs players was in position to tip the ball back in, tying the game at 58 with 4.6 seconds remaining. Monticello was able to get a shot off in the last seconds but it was a little late and very contested. After the missed shot, the two teams headed to overtime. Danville outplayed the Trojans during the four minute overtime period. The Trojans were not able to score effectively during the period and Danville continued the fast scoring pace they started during the fourth quarter. Phillip Inman scored the Trojans only basket in overtime. The Admirals outscored the Trojans 8-2 during overtime and finished the game with a six-point lead, 66-60. With the win, Danville advanced to the second round of the 12th Region Tournament. For Monticello, it was a tough loss but also something for them to build on in the future. They made the schoolšs first trip to the regional tournament since 1999 and finished the season with a winning record, another first in recent years. The Trojans will return all their starters next season after gaining valuable experience this year. Add a comment |
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