Panthers celebrate state tourney season

     A season that included a second consecutive trip to the state tournament was celebrated at the Monticello High School boys basketball team’s annual awards event April 13 in the MHS Commons.

     Head coach Tim Lambert was honored for coaching the Panthers to more than 300 wins in his career. A special video was shown, with past Panther players from throughout his 22 years congratulating coach Lambert.                            

     The 2021 Panthers went 22-1, and “ran the table” in the River Valley Conference, defeating every opponent and becoming the first RVC boys basketball team ever to do so. They reached State for the second straight year, losing in the quarterfinal round to eventual state champion Pella.

     The team set several school records, including average margin of victory (25.9), fewest turnovers in a game (two, against West Branch), best winning percentage (95.7), and tied the record for conference wins (17).

MONTICELLO

BOYS BASKETBALL

BANQUET

Team awards

     Most Valuable: Justin Recker, senior.

     Top Defensive Player: Luke Lambert, senior.

     Most Improved: Ty Kehoe, Senior.

     Craig Welter Leadership Award: Connor Lambert, senior.

     Captains’ Awards: Connor Lambert, senior; Luke Lambert, senior; Justin Recker, senior.

IPSWA All-State

     Justin Recker, senior, first team.

RVC All-Conference

     Elite: Justin Recker, senior; Luke Lambert, senior; Tate Petersen, sophomore.

     North Division: Ty Kehoe, senior; Connor Lambert, senior; Preston Ries, freshman.

     Honorable Mention: Riley Manternach, senior.

     North Division Coach of the Year: Tim Lambert.

RVC Academic All-Conference

     Seniors: Ty Kehoe, Connor Lambert, Luke Lambert, Justin Recker, Grahm Schneiter.

     Juniors: Lucas Bartachek, Grant Hospodarsky, Trey Kuper, Eian Weber.

     Sophomores: Tate Petersen, Ian Temple.

     Freshmen: Preston Ries.