JV boys jump out to 3-1 beginning

     The Monticello junior varsity boys basketball team jumped off to a 3-1 record in the River Valley Conference after an opening game loss, followed by three consecutive wins.

     The JV Panthers ran into a juggernaut in game one of their season in the form of the Bellevue Comets. Bellevue jumped off to an 18-4 first quarter margin and then held on to that lead, winning 45-30. Bellevue hit eight, three-point baskets. Monticello was led in scoring by Riley Manternach with 10 points.

     The Panthers regrouped, and three nights later dominated North Cedar 58-26. The Panther running game constantly kept the Knights off balance along with a smothering defense. Manternach again led Monticello and all scorers with 19 points.

     The following Tuesday, Dec. 4, the JV boys traveled to West Liberty. This was a game where the lead went back and forth during the entire game. The Panthers entered halftime with a slim 17-15 lead. After keeping the same lead through the third quarter, Monticello finally pulled away for a 40-33 win.

     The Panthers notched their third straight win with a hard-fought win Dec. 7 over the Wilton Beavers. The Panthers held a slim lead throughout, but did not pull away until midway through the last quarter. The 39-29 final score was in no way representative of the game.