Garrett Kepley scored a game-high 23 points and willed Monticello late past GCMS 51-42 in boys basketball Holiday Hoopla action Thursday night from Monticello High School.

The Sages improved to 2-0 on the day and set up a showdown with Tuscola for a trip to Saturday night’s championship game in the Holiday Hoopla.

With GMCS down by 14, the Falcons cut the deficit to 44-40, but Kepley grabbed a steal in the backcourt and took it coast-to-coast for the 46-40 lead.

The Falcons answered to make it a four-point game again, Ethan Miller sank one-of-two free throws to make it 47-42 and Kepley struck again on defense. 

His steal with 35 seconds left resulted in getting fouled on a made layup and completed the three-point-play and Jake Edmondson made a free throw with 20 seconds left for the final margin.

Miller finished with 11 points for Monticello who dished out 11 assists on their 19 made field goals but committed 12 turnovers. 

The Sages shot 50-percent for the game and missed crucial free throws down the stretch to allow the Falcons to stay close. 

Monticello controlled the glass 28-21. 

The Sages have won six in a row to improve to 6-3 overall.

Hear Friday’s action against Tuscola at 3:30 pm on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.