Monticello did just enough to hold off Prairie Central 61-55 in the Illini Prairie Conference opener from Monticello High School Friday night.

While managing to shoot just 43-percent from the floor, 5-for-17 from three and 20-for-37 from the free throw line, the Sages offensive performance was inconsistent throughout the night, struggling to gain any momentum.

Monticello was outrebounded 38-35, however, they did pull down 15 offensive rebounds which led to 17 second chance points.

The Sages had three players score in double-figures. Devin Graham led the Sages with 14 points. Ben Singleton had a double-double with 13 points and ten rebounds. Ethan Johns added 12 points. Graham dished out eight assists and pulled down six rebounds.

The Hawks had four players score in double-figures. Kaden King had 13 points. Jake Bechtold and Jake Crane scored 11 points. Trey Bazzell added ten points. Bachtold pulled down nine rebounds, Crane eight boards and Kind six rebounds.

Monticello improves to 15-3 overall and Prairie Central drops to 9-10.

Tomorrow night’s game against Meridian has been rescheduled to February 2 at 6 pm.

The Sages will be on the road next Tuesday when they travel to Rantoul. Tip time from Rantoul is 7 pm. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.