The Monticello Sages played a sharp first half of basketball and held on against a frantic Bismarck-Henning team Friday night in the season opener of boys basketball action from Bismarck-Henning High School.

Monticello opened a 39-18 halftime advantage shooting 19-for-23 from the floor but the Blue Devils started making threes in the second and got within 11 before the Sages held on down the stretch.

Luke Stokowski led the Sages with 21 points and nine rebounds. Calvin Fisher added 16 points and Ben Singleton chipped in with 14 points.

Monticello shot 73% from the floor.

Bismarck-Henning’s Wyatt Edwards led all scorers with 29 points.

Monticello attempted only one three pointer and outscored Bismarck-Henning 58-12 and dominated the glass 29-9.

The Blue Devils fall to 4-2 overall while the Sages open the year 1-0.

The Sages will host Auburn Tuesday night at Monticello High School. Hear all the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.