COLUMN: Panthers deserve title share

     The record shows Camanche 18-1 in River Valley Conference boys basketball games, Monticello at 17-1. But through a series of phone calls this past weekend between school and conference representatives, it was determined that the Panthers and Indians would be co-champs of the North Division.

     Deservedly so.

     After a huge 49-45 home victory over Camanche Feb. 11, Monticello was one-half game ahead of Camanche. The Panthers were supposed to play one more game, a makeup date at Mid-Prairie of Wellman Feb. 13, and Camanche had dates with Tipton and West Branch left. Based on records, it was likely the teams would end the schedule tied for the division title.

     But when Mid-Prairie closed its schools Thursday due to poor weather, that game was postponed. Monticello had hoped to make it up on Friday – the last available date for both schools – but Mid-Prairie balked, wishing to leave that date open since it was scheduled to start district play Monday.

     Meanwhile, Camanche won its two games, which would have left Monticello one-half game behind with one game unplayed.

     Over the weekend, a deal was struck between Monticello, Camanche and the RVC. Because the teams had split their regular season games, because both had 9-1 records against division opponents, and because the Panthers weren’t being given the chance to play their last game, it was agreed that the teams would share the North crown.

Williams to Australia

     Former Monticello High School baseball star and Coe College men’s basketball player Spencer Williams has signed to play professional basketball in Australia, with the Central Districts Lions Basketball Club.

     A press release from the club said he had drawn “high praise for his physicality and work ethic, and will bring a high level of toughness for the Lions this season.”

     Williams, son of Greg and Jill Williams, averaged 12 points, eight rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game as a senior at Coe, and is number seven all-time in blocks for the Kohawks.