The Monticello Sages picked up their first win of the season holding off Auburn 55-44 in non-conference high school boys basketball action Tuesday night from Monticello High School.

Garrett Kepley scored a game-high 21 points and was aided by Ethan Miller’s 16 points, as the Sages finally found the offensive balance they’ve been striving for in the early portion of the season.

Monticello jumped out to a quick 9-0 lead against Salt Fork Friday night but the Storm battled back and ultimately won on a last-second shot. The Sages quickly jumped out to a 9-0 lead again Tuesday but after the Trojans made it 13-8 after one quarter, Miller made three-consecutive three-pointers to put Monticello up 22-8.

Briggs Fultz scored the final four points of the quarter to stake Monticello to a 26-15 lead at the half.

Auburn battled back in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 39-32 going to the fourth quarter thanks to 12-2 run after Kepley started the second half with a quick three-pointer.

The Sages withstood a frantic fourth quarter where Andrew Rudolph recorded his first six varsity points with big baskets, Jake Edmondson scored all four of his points in the final period and Briggs Fultz game Monticello a 10-point lead, 51-41 on an offense rebound putback. 

Kepley scored 14 in the second half and dished out six assists and committed just one turnover.

As a team, Monticello handed out 11 assists on 24 field goals and committed just seven turnovers. They also shot 53-percent for the game and went 7-for-10 from beyond the arc, led by Ethan Miller’s 4-for-4 effort and Kepley was 3-for-4 from distance.

The Sages held a 22-21 rebounding advantage and scored 14 points off nine Trojans turnovers. Additionally, they outscored Auburn in the paint, 30-22. 

The Trojans drop to 2-1 overall while Monticello improves to 1-3.

The Sages will be at home next Tuesday night to host Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond at 7 pm. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.