In a game heard on WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, Trey Welter scored 30 points and Monticello used a big start to hold off a second-half charge from state-ranked Tolono Unity to a 62-57 win Tuesday night in Illini Prairie Conference high school boys basketball action at the Sievers Center in Monticello.

The Sages led 40-17 at the half. Maddux Quick hit a three as time expired putting the Sages up over its longtime rival.

But the state-ranked Rockets turned up the intensity in the second half and charged back to within the five - the final margin. They would get within seven at a couple of points late in the fourth quarter. 

Welter made 8-of-8 free throws in the second half and Monticello shot 16-for-20 as a team to keep the Rockets from completing the comeback. 

Monticello did not make at three-pointer in the second half, finishing 6-for-15 from distance and shot 45.5 percent overall. 

Unity finished shooting 47.2 percent and went 5-for-18 from three.

The Rockets outrebounded the Sages 33-24 and used 12 offensive rebounds to score seven second-chance points.

The Rockets finished with 36 points in the point.

After committing just one turnover in the first half, Monticello turned it over nine times in the second half. 

Welter earned the ServPro of Piatt/DeWitt County Player of the Game.

Andrew Thomas led the Rockets with 11 points. Unity falls to 23-4 overall and 5-3 in the Illini Prairie Conference. 

Monticello and Unity could play again next week. If the Sages win a Class 2A Regional quarterfinal matchup against Meridian on Monday, they will play Tolono again on Wednesday. 

The Sages improve to 14-13 overall and 5-3 in the conference. Monticello wraps up its regular season Thursday night at Prairie Central. Tip time is 7 pm. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.