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Trojans open with win over Cumberland County The Monticello Trojans opened the season with a 66-60 win at Cumberland County on Tuesday, November 29. Coach Gary Abbott has noted that this year's team could be one of the most inexperienced teams in the region and at times that showed during Tuesday night's contest. But there were also flashes of the squad that took the upset win in the opening round of the district tournament last year and then went to the wire with Danville in the regional tournament. Monticello had the early advantage but allowed the homestanding team to come back and make it a close one down the stretch. Abbott started four seniors Lance Garrett that the senior-laden lineup may be a little deceptive. One senior and one junior starter did not play at all last year, and another one of the seniors was hurt for most of the season. "This year's team will count on a talented group of sophomores to grow up fast and contribute, three juniors who did not play ball at all last year, freshmen with potential and three ultra talented eighth graders to all perform under pressure this season," said Abbott. Seniors Phillip Inman and Zeb Davis bring back the brunt of experience from a year ago, noted Abbott and they will be counted on to help provide key leadership for the more inexperienced team members. It was Inman's fourth quarter performance Tuesday night that gave Monticello the winning edge. Inman finished with 19 points and hit crucial free throws in the stretch to hold off a Cumberland County rally. "Phillip is one of those players that I think can be a great basketball player," said Abbott. "He can score 50 points and have a lot of success today and tomorrow he's still the same Phillip Inman." Monticello started the game with a lot of confidence and jumped out to a 13-8 lead by the end of the quarter. Cumberland County, before a large home crowd, went on the attack in the second quarter, outscoring the Trojans 17-14 and pulling to within 2, 27-25. The Trojans got off to another quick start in the third quarter, pushing the advantage out to 6, 42-36. A lot of fans expected to see Monticello pull away in the fourth quarter, but the Trojans' seemed to lack the killer instinct to put it away. Cumberland County put on the full-court press and challenged the Trojan guards during the final quarter. Monticello guards Samuel Lair and Justin Branscum were on the bench with foul problems. Zeb Davis shouldered the ball handling responsibilities, while Inman put points on the board. The Trojans also got some much needed help from sophomores Tyler Bell, Justin West and Jerrett Sexton. Sexton made a crucial layup during Cumberland County's comeback effort. In the final seconds, Monticello made the free throws to ice the win. "This team showed that it can beat a good team on their home floor," said Abbott. "But this team also showed its inexperience at times by committing silly fouls, turnovers and other mental mistakes." The Trojans got very balanced scoring in the victory. Samuel Lair, playing his first game for Monticello, scored 15 points. Also in double figures for Monticello was Lance Garrett with 10 points. For the game, Monticello shot 51 percent from the field, hitting 24 of 47. The Trojans were 7 of 18 from behind the arc for 38 percent. They struggled from the free throw line, hitting 11 of 24 for 45 percent. Inman also led Monticello's rebounding effort Tuesday night, pulling down 15 boards in the win. Garrett grabbed 8 rebounds, as did Davis. Add a comment |
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