In a game heard on WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, Raiden Colbert scored 12 of his game-high 18 points in the third quarter and Monticello overcame a slow night from its leading scorer to eliminate Meridian 67-55 in Class 2A Regional quarterfinal action from the Sievers Center in Monticello Monday night.
Trey Welter - the Sages' leading scorer - was limited to just two points on six shots. The senior was 2-for-2 at the foul line and 0-for-6 from the floor. He did have five assists and three rebounds.
The Hawks hung around in the first half - staying within two to five points - but Monticello gradually pulled away in the second half and it was a total team effort.
In addition to Colbert's 18, Tyler Blythe scored 13 points. Ike Young added 12 points and played lockdown defense on Meridian's leading scorer Sebastian Hill, limiting the senior to 14 points.
Gatsby Grant added 10 points for Monticello.
Colton Denny scored 18 to lead Meridian.
Monticello limited the Hawks to 38-percent shooting. They used 12 Meridian turnovers to score 15 points.
The Sages had 22 points in the paint and 12 points off 12 offensive rebounds. Monticello outrebounded Meridian 34-25. The Hawks had 10 points on 12 offensive rebounds.
Monticello scored 10 points in transition and its bench contributed 18 points.
The Sages made 10-of-24 from three and shot 49 percent for the game, including 13-for-17 at the foul line.
Meridian ends its season 17-14 overall.
Monticello goes to 15-14 and will take on Tolono Unity on Wednesday in a Regional quarterfinal. The Sages took down the state-ranked Rockets last week in Monticello, holding on for a 62-57 win after having a 40-17 halftime lead.
Game time is 6 pm from the Sievers Center in Monticello. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.
Class 2A Regional quarterfinal action from Monday
Bloomington Central Catholic 82
Olympia 55
Fithian-Oakwood 65
Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond 43
Sullivan 55
Westville 54
Warrensburg-Latham 70
Pana 43
Watseka 67
Paxton-Buckley-Loda 45
Class 1A Regional quarterfinal action from Monday
Arcola 53
Beecher City 51
Argenta-Oreana 2 forf.
DeLand-Weldon 0
Bethany-Okaw Valley 63
Central A & M 31
Champaign St. Thomas More 68
Urbana Uni 25
Decatur St. Teresa 69
Cerro Gordo 45
Blue Ridge 50
Mt. Pulaski 62
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 71
Normal Calvary Christian Academy 35
Heyworth 96
Kankakee Grace Christian Academy 55
LeRoy 43
Ridgeview 33
Lexington 95
Tri-Point 20
Illini Central 61
Havana 41
Mendon Unity 77
Hartsburg-Emden 43
Tuscola 86
Broadlands-Heritage 27
Class 3A Regional quarterfinal action from Monday
Decatur Eisenhower 50
Bloomington 23
