JV tops Northeast, falls to Cascade

     The Panthers traveled to Goose Lake to take on the Northeast Rebels, and earned a 36-21 victory. The teams were tied 12-12 at halftime, but Monticello had a 24-9 scoring advantage in the second half.

     “Tough defense was key in this game,” Monticello coach Chuck Welsch said.

     Marisa Kehoe led the Panthers in scoring with 11 points, and also had four steals and three rebounds. Madison Butterworth had six points and two steals. Keziah McQuillen had five points, seven steals and two rebounds. Brea Stahlberg had five points, four steals, two assists and two rebounds. Reagan Schneiter had four points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. Katie Roher had three points, three steals and two assists. Triniti Etzel had two points. Lauren Verhagen and Mia Jaeger had three rebounds apiece.

     The Panthers made a valiant comeback effort in a Feb. 5 home game against Cascade, but wound up losing 40-34. Monticello rallied from a 12-point third quarter deficit to take a 34-32 lead with 1:30 to play, but turnovers and Cascade free throws enabled the Cougars to come away with the win.

     “Great effort,” Welsch said, “coming back with toughness on defense and attacking the rim. We just couldn’t finish the plays at the end.”

     Roher had 13 points, three rebounds and two steals. McQuillen had six points, nine steals and three rebounds. Stahlberg had five points and four rebounds. Butterworth had four points. Schneiter had two points, four rebounds and three steals. Kehoe had two points and four assists. Sami McElmeel had two points and two assists.